Jessie Taylor
Candles have played a significant role in Catholic celebrations and rituals for centuries. They are often lit during Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. The lighting of candles is a symbolic act, representing the light of Christ and the hope he brings to the world. In this tradition, candles are also lit to signify the presence of God and to show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament. Catholics light votive candles before statues or sacred images of saints, not as an act of worship, but as a symbol of the light of faith through which they ask for God's help.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasions | Mass, liturgical processions, evening prayer ceremonies, funeral processions |
| Location | Church, home altar |
| Purpose | Symbolise prayer, faith, connection with the divine, reverence, ongoing prayers |
| Types | Votive candles, prayer candles, beeswax candles, scented candles |
| Shapes | Long, thin |
| Colours | Various |
| Sizes | Small, large |
| Blessings | Blessed by a priest |
| Extinguishing | Use a snuffer instead of blowing it out |
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What You'll Learn
Candles are lit during the celebration of Mass
The use of candles during Mass is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, with candles playing a significant role in most Catholic celebrations and rituals. The lighting of candles during Mass is deeply rooted in the symbolism of light, representing Christ and the light He brings to the world.
During Mass, candles are lit before the Tabernacle to signify the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and to inspire reverence among the faithful. This practice is believed to have been influenced by Jewish tradition, where a perpetual light was kept burning in the Temple and synagogues to signify God's presence.
Candles are also used in liturgical processions, funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies within the Catholic Church. They serve as a reminder of the light of Christ and the joy of His presence. The number of candles lit during Mass can also hold significance, indicating which Mass is being celebrated or the identity of the main celebrant.
The use of candles in Catholic liturgy extends beyond Mass. For example, during the Sacrament of Baptism, a candle is lit from the Paschal candle, symbolizing the light of Christ entering the life of the newly baptized. Candles are also blessed during Candlemas, or the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and used in various other rituals and devotions.
The presence of candles in Catholic worship spaces creates a sense of sacredness and helps to focus the minds and hearts of the faithful on prayer and devotion. The light of the candles serves as a visual reminder of the spiritual light that believers seek to embrace in their lives through their faith in Christ.
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They are used in liturgical and funeral processions
The use of candles in Catholic liturgical and funeral processions is steeped in symbolism and tradition. Lit candles are used in these processions to represent Christ, who is referred to as the "light of the world" in the Gospel of John. The candle's wick represents the human soul of Our Lord, and the flame symbolises divinity.
In liturgical processions, candles are carried to where the Gospel is read, symbolising triumphant joy in the presence of Christ's words. The number of candles lit on the altar also indicates which Mass is being celebrated and who the main celebrant is. The Paschal candle, also known as the Easter candle, is placed by the altar and lit during all liturgical services in the Easter season, as well as for all baptisms and funerals throughout the year. The Easter candle symbolises Christ's victory over sin and death, reminding the faithful of his undying presence among them.
In funeral processions, the Paschal candle is placed near the coffin during the funeral liturgy, indicating that the death of a Christian is their own Passover. Other candles may also be placed near the coffin as a sign of reverence and solemnity. The Easter candle is also placed near the body during the vigil, before the procession concludes.
The use of candles in Catholic processions is not limited to liturgical and funeral processions. Candles are also used in the entrance and recessional processions of Mass, and they play a role in the blessing of ashes and palms, the dedication of churches and cemeteries, and the Mass of a newly ordained priest.
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They are displayed before statues or sacred images
The use of candles in Catholic rituals and celebrations is steeped in symbolism and history. Candles are displayed in Catholic churches, homes, and shrines, and play a significant role in various rituals and ceremonies. One of the most common placements for candles in Catholic settings is before statues or sacred images.
The display of candles before statues or sacred images is a longstanding tradition in Catholicism. The candle is not a symbol of worship for the statue or image itself but for whom or what it represents. The light of the candle symbolises the prayer offered, coming into the light of God, and allowing the petitioner to be filled with God's light. The candle also signifies a special reverence and the petitioner's desire to remain present in prayer, even after they depart and go about their daily lives. This practice can be traced back to early Christian times, and it is believed to have its roots in even earlier traditions.
In churches, chapels, and shrines, candles are often placed before statues or images of Our Lord, Our Lady, or the saints. These candles are lit by the faithful as a physical representation of their prayers. The act of lighting a candle and making a small monetary offering is believed to engage the whole person—body, mind, heart, and soul—in the act of praying. The candle's flame serves as a reminder that their prayers are rising to God, Mary, or the saints.
In addition to their placement before statues and images, candles are also displayed in other areas of Catholic churches. These include the altar, where altar boys may hold candles during the proclamation of the Gospel at Mass, and near the tabernacle, symbolising the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
The use of candles in Catholic rituals extends beyond churches and shrines. Many Catholics also choose to incorporate devotional candles into their home prayer practices. These candles may be placed in a dedicated prayer corner or on a table while praying. The candle's flame serves as a reminder of God's light and the presence of the divine, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the space.
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Candles are lit before the Tabernacle to signify the Lord's presence
The lighting of candles plays a significant role in Catholic celebrations and rituals. Candles are lit during the celebration of Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. They are also lit before the Tabernacle to signify the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
The use of candles in Catholic traditions is steeped in symbolism and history. Light has long been used in religious practice, with candles representing the light of Christ and the hope he brings to the world. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to himself as the "light of the world" (John 8:12, John 12:46).
The practice of lighting candles in Catholic churches is influenced by Jewish tradition. In Judaism, a perpetual light or "eternal flame" was kept burning in the Temple and synagogues to represent the presence of God (Exodus 27:20-21, Leviticus 24:2-4). This tradition was adapted by Christians, who light candles to show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament.
In Catholic churches, a sanctuary lamp or tabernacle lamp is often placed before the Tabernacle to indicate the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. This lamp is typically red, distinguishing it from other votive lights within the church. The light of the lamp or candle represents the light of Christ, symbolising prayer, faith, and the desire to remain connected to the divine.
The lighting of candles before the Tabernacle is a sacred tradition for Catholics. The warm glow of the flickering flame guides prayers and enhances spiritual spaces. The light signifies the presence of the Lord and represents the faith and reverence of those who have lit the candles.
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They are lit during the Sacrament of Baptism
The lighting of candles holds a significant role in Catholic celebrations and rituals. Candles are lit during the Sacrament of Baptism, symbolising a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World".
In Byzantine Catholic Baptism, the godfather lights the baptismal candle from the Easter Candle, and the priest prays for the newly baptised to "shine with the light of faith and good works". The Latin Rite reminds parents and godparents that the light of the candle is entrusted to them and should be kept burning brightly, symbolising the light of Christ in the baptised child's life.
The baptismal candle is carefully preserved in the home. On the anniversary of the baptism, it is lit while the baptised individual offers a prayer of thanksgiving to God and renews their baptismal vows. The candle is also lit on solemn occasions, such as the first Holy Communion, Wedding Day, during serious illness, and at the time of death.
The lighting of candles during the Sacrament of Baptism is a powerful symbol of Christ's light and hope in the world. It represents the presence of God and signifies the prayers and faith of the baptised individual and their families. The candle becomes a tangible expression of their devotion and connection to the divine, illuminating their spiritual journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The symbolism of light has long been used in Catholic religious practice, representing Christ, who called himself the "light of the world". Candles are lit during Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies.
Candles are placed on the altar, near the tabernacle, and before statues and sacred images.
Votive candles are made available to Catholics visiting a church or shrine. Supplicants make an offering, light a candle, and place it in the display while saying a prayer to Jesus, Mary, or a saint.
Vigil lights are another type of candle burned during prayer. They are usually accompanied by a coin box or basket where donations can be made to pay for the candles.
Candles are used on Candlemas Day, the feast of St. Blaise, and during the Sacrament of Baptism.
