Dear Mary:

Thanks for the heads up about the glitch in this forum. It is now fixed.

There is a formal blessing prayer in the Book of Blessings. For such things as rosaries and candles this formal prayer form is not required. A priest may bless such items, in a minimal fashion, with words such as, "I bless this rosary" and the Sign of the Cross over the rosary.

Unless the circumstances preclude the use of Holy Water, to not use this sacramental would be irregular, but not absolutely required. If a priest is too lazy to use Holy Water when circumstances do not prevent its use I would go to a different priest in the future.

Some priest find blessing objects as "old school" or a "throw-back" to the devotional Church of pre-Vatican II days. Such priests are usually liberals and prejudice against anything smacking of traditional devotions. Priests who disrespect these devotions ought to be smacked upside the head, but I would recommend instead going to a priest who has respect for Catholic values and devotions.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary