The church and the Archdiocese of New York make no such claims, although the water is blessed every year.

On this day water is therefore blessed.

During the service Holy water is blessed.

In Russia, where the winters are severe, a hole will be cut into the ice so that the waters may be blessed.

Among the Coptics, this water is blessed with the cross before the Washing of Feet.

Holy water is blessed by a priest, and Catholics believe it to be a reminder of the baptismal promises.

The Egyptians set the coffin in the Nile so that its waters would be blessed.

The waters off Newport are blessed with ideal sailing conditions.

First, holy water is blessed and mixed with chrism.

Not only water but also oil and strings are blessed in this ceremony.