St. Alexander I
Alexander · 107 – 115
An early bishop of Rome traditionally credited with introducing the use of holy water.
Alexander led the Roman Church around 107 to 115. Later tradition attributes to him the practice of blessing water mixed with salt for purifying homes. Whether or not these specific attributions are historically reliable, they reflect the early Church's growing attention to sacramental signs and blessings.
Why He Matters
Alexander I is remembered as a pastor who helped shape the Church's use of physical signs — water, salt, blessings — to sanctify daily life. That instinct remains at the heart of Catholic practice.