Asperges

Asperges is the rite in Christian Church of sprinkling holy water at the beginning of the Mass. The implement for sprinkling holy water is also called asperges. This rite was formerly common in all Christian churches, and is still used occasionally in Catholic churches. While sprinkling the holy water, the first word of the Latin (Vulgate) text of Psalms 51:9 used to be recited which literally means 'thou shalt purge'.