Tyler Brooks
Blessed candles are a powerful spiritual addition to the home, often lit during prayer or severe weather to invoke the power of God. But what happens when these candles are no longer usable? While it's not a sin to throw them away, it is recommended to dispose of blessed items with respect and reverence. The Diocese of Superior in Wisconsin advises that blessed items should be burned, and the ashes buried, or simply buried without burning. Another option is to drop off the candle at a parish office, where someone will ensure it is respectfully disposed of.
How to dispose of blessed candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Proper disposal method | Burning or burying |
| Burning method | Letting candles burn down entirely or burning them by themselves if candle holders are made of glass |
| Burial method | Burying the ashes in the ground, preferably on church grounds or in a Catholic cemetery |
| Alternative disposal method | Dropping off at the parish office |
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What You'll Learn
- Burning blessed candles is a respectful way to dispose of them
- Burying candles is another way to dispose of them, but they should be buried in Catholic cemeteries
- Candles can be disassembled or destroyed before being buried to prevent any profane reuse
- If candles cannot be burned or buried, they can be dropped off at a parish office
- Candles can be saved and melted down to create an Easter candle
Burning blessed candles is a respectful way to dispose of them
The proper disposal of votive candles and other devotionals, if they have been blessed, is to burn or bury them, with burning being the preferred option for candles. This is because candles are blessed as a "creature of wax", and so the wax that remains when a candle has burned down should not be discarded with other rubbish. Burning blessed candles is a way to honour their sacred purpose and return them to the earth in a dignified way.
If you are unable to burn blessed candles, they can be buried, preferably on church grounds or in a Catholic cemetery. If you are unable to do either, you can drop them off at the parish office, and someone will take care of it. In some places, blessed candles are gathered and melted down to create the Easter candle.
If you are burning blessed candles, it is recommended that you let them burn down entirely. If burning them entirely presents a hazard, for example, if the glass candle holder breaks, then burn them by themselves to avoid any issues.
It is worth noting that if a candle is no longer usable, for example, due to fire codes, it is considered to have lost its blessing. In this case, it can be disposed of as normal, although some may still prefer to burn or bury these candles out of respect.
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Burying candles is another way to dispose of them, but they should be buried in Catholic cemeteries
Burying candles is another acceptable way to dispose of blessed candles. However, it is important to note that they should be buried in Catholic cemeteries or on church grounds. This method of disposal is considered respectful and honours the sacred significance of the blessed candles.
If you are unable to bury the candles yourself, you can drop them off at the parish office, and someone on staff will take care of it. Alternatively, you can bring them to your priest, who will ensure they are disposed of properly.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that burning blessed candles is the preferred method of disposal. This is because it is considered a way to return them to their original source, light. However, if burning the candles is not possible or presents a hazard due to the glass candle holders, then burying them is a suitable alternative.
When burying blessed candles, it is essential to disassemble or destroy them first to prevent any profane reuse. This can be done by breaking the glass candle holders into shards and recycling them separately. The remaining candle wax and wick can then be buried respectfully.
Overall, whether burning or burying blessed candles, the key consideration is to handle their disposal with care and reverence, ensuring that they are not simply thrown away in the trash or disposed of in a landfill.
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Candles can be disassembled or destroyed before being buried to prevent any profane reuse
While it is not a sin to throw away blessed candles, it is recommended to dispose of them in a respectful manner. If candles cannot be burned, they should be disassembled or destroyed before being buried to prevent any profane reuse.
If you are unable to burn your blessed candles, you can take them apart to prevent their profane reuse. This can be done by breaking the wax into pieces or shaving it down. You can also remove any religious decals or symbols from the candle container to ensure that it cannot be used in a profane manner.
Once the candles have been disassembled, the wax pieces can be buried in the ground. It is recommended to bury them on church grounds or in a Catholic cemetery, rather than disposing of them in a landfill. This act of burial is considered a respectful way to part with blessed items, honouring their sacred significance.
If you are unable to burn or bury the candles, another option is to take them to your local parish office or monastery. Someone on staff will be able to take care of the disposal for you. They may even collect and melt down the blessed candles to create the Easter candle, although this custom is not practised everywhere.
It is important to note that the disposal of blessed items should be done with care and reverence. By disassembling or destroying the candles before burial, you are ensuring that they are disposed of in a respectful and dignified manner that honours their sacred purpose.
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If candles cannot be burned or buried, they can be dropped off at a parish office
When bringing your blessed candles to the parish office, it is important to follow any specific instructions or guidelines they may have. Some parishes may have designated drop-off locations or collection times. It is also good practice to inform the staff at the office that you are dropping off blessed candles for disposal. This ensures that they are handled with the appropriate care and reverence.
If you are unsure about the disposal procedures at your parish office, don't hesitate to contact them beforehand. They will be able to provide you with detailed information on their preferred methods and any specific preparations required on your part. This way, you can ensure that your candles are disposed of in a manner that aligns with your religious beliefs and practices.
In some cases, parishes may collect blessed candles to create the Easter candle. This tradition involves melting down the blessed candles and using the wax to form a new candle for Easter celebrations. However, it is important to note that this custom may not be practiced by all parishes, so it is advisable to inquire about their specific practices.
By dropping off your blessed candles at the parish office, you are ensuring their respectful disposal while also contributing to the spiritual life of your community. This act of reverence demonstrates your commitment to honouring the sacred nature of these candles and maintaining a dignified disposal process.
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Candles can be saved and melted down to create an Easter candle
Blessed candles are typically burned or buried, with the former being preferred in the case of candles. If you are unable to burn or bury the candles, you can also bring them to your priest. Alternatively, you can save and melt them down to create new candles, such as Easter candles.
Making an Easter candle is a great way to repurpose blessed candles while also creating a meaningful decoration for your home. Here's a simple guide on how to do it:
Preparing the Wax
Firstly, collect the leftover wax from your blessed candles. You can do this by melting the candles and pouring the liquid wax into a heat-safe container. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and be careful not to inhale the fumes. You can also add additional wax to this if needed. The amount of wax you will need depends on the size of the candle you want to make. Once you have enough wax, you can add any desired colourants or scents.
Preparing the Wick
While the wax is melting, you can prepare the wick for your Easter candle. Cut a piece of wick to the desired length, leaving a few extra inches at the top for trimming later. You can prime the wick by dipping it in the melted wax and allowing it to cool. This will help it to stand upright in your mould or container.
Moulding the Candle
There are various options for moulding your Easter candle. You can use traditional candle moulds, or you can get creative and use items such as jars or cups. If you're feeling artistic, you can even carve your own mould out of soap or sand. Once you've chosen your mould, secure the wick in place by tying it to a pencil or chopstick that rests across the top of the mould. Then, pour the melted wax into the mould, taking care not to spill it.
Decorating the Candle
Once the wax has hardened, you can remove it from the mould and begin decorating your Easter candle. You can keep it simple by adding some colourful ribbons or painting designs on it. If you want to get more creative, you can use items such as stickers or glitter to decorate your candle.
Final Touches
After you've finished decorating your Easter candle, trim the wick to the appropriate length, and it's ready to be lit! You can now use your candle as a centrepiece for your Easter celebrations, bringing the warmth and light of the season into your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Blessed candles can be burned or buried. If you choose to burn them, make sure they are burned entirely. If you are unable to burn them, you can disassemble them and then bury the pieces.
Burning or burying blessed candles is considered a respectful way to dispose of them, honouring their sacred significance.
It is not inherently sinful to throw away blessed candles, but out of reverence, it is advisable to dispose of them by burning or burying.
Yes, if you are unable to burn or bury your blessed candles, you can give them away to someone who can do so. Alternatively, you can drop them off at your local parish office or monastery, where they may be melted down to create an Easter candle.
No, blessed candles should not be recycled. If you are unable to burn or bury them, you can disassemble them and then bury the pieces.
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