Candles

[FaithT]

I was always taught to light candles in church but it just occurred to me that I don’t know why. Why do we do this, what happens when a candle is lit for someone? I said earlier that I plan to light one for my cousin who recently passed away but now I’m wondering why we do this?

 

[Michie]

Lighting the candle represents our prayers. It also shows our desire to remain in prayer as we go on with the rest of our day.

 

[Michie]

I’ll look for more info…

 

[Michie]

SHEDDING LIGHT ON USE OF VOTIVE CANDLES

Fr. William Saunders

Before I address the use of votive candles in particular, we have to appreciate the symbolism of light and the general usage of candles in religious practice. In Judaism, a perpetual light was kept burning in the Temple and the synagogues not only to ensure the ability to light other candles or oil lamps in the evening but also to show the presence of God (cf. Ex 27:20-21 and Lv 24:24). Later, the Talmud prescribed a lit lamp at the Ark, where the Torah and other writings of Sacred Scripture were kept, to show reverence to the Word of God. (This practice probably influenced our own one of having a lit candle near the tabernacle to indicate the presence of and to show reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.)

Roman pagan culture also used candles in religious practice. Lit candles were used in religious and military processions, showing the divine presence, aid or favor of the gods. With the development of emperor worship, candles were also lit near his image as a sign of respect and reverence. Remember that by the time of Jesus, the emperor was considered divine and even given the titles Pontifex Maximus (high priest) and Dominus et Deus (Lord and God).

Continued below.

Shedding Light on Use of Votive Candles | EWTN

EWTN is a global, Catholic Television, Catholic Radio, and Catholic News Network that provides catholic programming and news coverage from around the world.

www.ewtn.com

 

[Michie]

Mind Your Beeswax

Why does the Catholic Church make use of the lighted candle, particularly the beeswax candle, in the Mass? The answer may suprise you.

www.catholic.com