Jessie Taylor
Blessed candles are an important part of Catholic tradition, often lit during prayer or severe weather to invoke the power of God and protect the home. While candles are traditionally burned down entirely, it is acceptable to blow them out after prayer. If a blessed candle is no longer usable, it should be disposed of properly by burning or burying it, returning it to the earth in a dignified manner. In some places, old blessed candles are gathered and melted down to create new ones, such as the Easter candle.
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What You'll Learn
Blessed candles are distributed on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrated on February 2, is also known as Candlemas, owing to the blessing and distribution of candles during the festival. The festival was originally celebrated in the Eastern Churches as "The Meeting" or "Encountering" (Hypapante), where mankind meets the Lord. By the sixth century, it began to be celebrated in the West, where the focus shifted to the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, accompanied by solemn blessings and processions with candles.
The custom of blessing candles during the festival was introduced to meet the "needs of the people". The candles are believed to be powerful spiritual additions to one's home and are often placed in a prominent spot in the house or on a prayer table. They are lit during prayer, helping the person stay focused, and during severe weather, invoking God's protection. They are also lit to dispel the fear of darkness or thunder in children.
During the festival, the priest, wearing white sacred vestments, approaches with the ministers and a representative group of the faithful. The candles are then lit while an antiphon or another appropriate chant is sung. After the chant, the priest greets the people and gives an introductory address, encouraging the faithful to celebrate the rite of this feast day actively and consciously. The priest then blesses the candles, saying:
> O God, source and origin of all light, who on this day showed to the just man Simeon the Light for revelation to the Gentiles, we humbly ask that, in answer to your people's prayers, you may be pleased to sanctify with your blessing these candles, which we are eager to carry in praise of your name, so that, treading the path of virtue, we may reach that light which never fails. Through Christ our Lord.
The blessed candles distributed during the festival are believed to be powerful sacramentals and are disposed of by burning or burying once they are no longer usable.
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They are placed in a prominent spot in Catholic homes
Blessed candles are a powerful spiritual addition to Catholic homes. They are often distributed on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. The blessing included in the Roman Missal summarises the spiritual symbolism of this sacramental:
> O God, source and origin of all light, who on this day showed to the just man Simeon the light for revelation to the Gentiles, we humbly ask that, in answer to your people’s prayers, you may be pleased to sanctify with your blessing these candles, which we are eager to carry in praise of your name, so that, treading the path of virtue, we may reach that light which never fails. Through Christ our Lord.
The light from blessed candles symbolises Jesus, the Light of the World. As such, they are placed in a prominent spot in Catholic homes, reminding the faithful of Jesus' invitation to spend time with him in prayer. When it is time for personal or communal prayer, the candle is lit to help the devotee stay focused.
Blessed candles are also lit during severe weather, invoking the power of God to protect the home. They can also be lit to ward off evil spirits.
When blessed candles can no longer be used, they should be disposed of properly. Catholics are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals in a way that shows reverence to them. All sacramentals can be burned or buried. This type of disposal honours their sacred purpose and returns them to the earth in a dignified way. If a person is unable to do either, the sacramental may be dropped off at the parish office, where someone on staff can take care of it. In some places, old blessed candles are gathered and melted down to create the Easter candle.
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They are lit during prayer, storms, and to ward off evil spirits
Blessed candles are deeply rooted in Christian symbolism and spiritual intention. They are often lit during prayer, storms, and to ward off evil spirits.
During Prayer
Blessed candles are lit during personal or communal prayer to help the person praying stay focused. They are placed in prominent places in the home or on a prayer table to remind people of Jesus, the light of the world, and invite them to prayer. The candle's flame represents Christ as the "light of the world", a source of guidance and reassurance during the darker days of winter.
During Storms
Catholics traditionally light blessed candles during strong storms, invoking God's power to protect their homes. This practice also has a practical element as the candle can be useful if the power goes out during a storm.
To Ward Off Evil Spirits
Blessed candles are considered powerful sacramentals that can be used to ward off evil spirits. The light from the candle is believed to symbolise Jesus, the Light of the World, and the presence of the Lord is invoked to drive away all spirits of darkness. The blessing of the candles often includes an exorcism prayer to cast out any demonic presence.
Disposal
When blessed candles are no longer usable, they should be disposed of properly. Catholics are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals by burning or burying them to honour their sacred purpose and return them to the earth in a dignified way. In some places, old blessed candles are gathered and melted down to create the Easter candle.
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They are burned or buried when disposing of them
Blessed candles are often distributed on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrated on February 2. They are lit during prayer or to invoke the power of God to protect one's home during severe weather. When disposing of blessed candles, it is important to do so in a way that shows reverence and honour for their sacred purpose.
Catholics are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals, including blessed candles, by either burning or burying them. Burning the candles completely or burying their ashes on church grounds or in a Catholic cemetery is a dignified way to dispose of them and return them to the earth. If burning the candles is not possible or presents a hazard, they can be disassembled or destroyed in a way that prevents any profane reuse before being buried.
Alternatively, if an individual is unable to burn or bury the blessed candles, they can be dropped off at the parish office, where someone on staff will ensure proper disposal. In some places, blessed candles are gathered and melted down to create the Easter candle. This custom may vary depending on the local parish or monastery, so it is advisable to contact them for specific information.
The proper disposal of blessed candles is important to show respect for their sacred nature and to ensure they are returned to the earth in a dignified manner. Whether through burning, burying, or seeking assistance from a parish office, individuals can dispose of blessed candles in a way that honours their spiritual significance.
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They can be melted down to create an Easter candle
Blessed candles are traditionally distributed on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which is celebrated on February 2. These candles are often placed in a prominent position in the home or on a prayer table, and are lit during personal or communal prayer. They are also brought out and lit during severe weather, as Catholics believe that this will invoke the power of God to protect their home.
If blessed candles are no longer usable, they should be disposed of properly. They can be burned or buried, or dropped off at a parish office. In some places, blessed candles can be saved and melted down to create an Easter candle. This involves collecting the old blessed candles and melting them down to form a new candle. This practice is not widespread, however, and those interested in doing this should contact their local parish or monastery to see if it is possible.
The Easter candle, or paschal candle, is a large candle that is lit during the Easter season. It is meant to symbolise Christ, the light of the world. The candle is traditionally made of wax and is only supposed to be one candle. The Easter candle is blessed by a priest with the signs and words prescribed in the Missal or by the Conference of Bishops.
The process of melting down old blessed candles to create a new Easter candle can be seen as a way to honour the sacred purpose of the blessed candles and give them a new life as a symbol of Christ. It is a way to recycle and reuse old candles that are no longer usable, while also creating a new object with spiritual significance.
By melting down old blessed candles to create an Easter candle, individuals can participate in a tradition that combines reverence for the sacred with practical considerations. It allows for the respectful disposal of old sacramentals while also creating a new candle that can be used during the Easter season.
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Frequently asked questions
Blessed candles are not typically melted. Catholics are instructed to dispose of old sacramentals, including blessed candles, by burning or burying them. This practice honours their sacred purpose and returns them to the earth in a dignified way.
Blessed candles are used to symbolise Jesus, the Light of the World, and to invoke God's protection during severe weather or in the presence of evil spirits. They are also lit during personal or communal prayer to help create a spiritual ambiance and encourage a calmness of the heart.
You can purchase blessed candles from various sources, including Catholic churches, monasteries, and online shops like Virgo Sacrata. If you already have unblessed candles, you can bring them to a Catholic priest to be blessed.
The traditional date for blessing candles is February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. This day includes a solemn blessing of candles during the Mass.
If your blessed candles are no longer usable, you have several respectful disposal options. You can burn them completely, bury the remaining wax, and collect and bury the ashes on church grounds or in a Catholic cemetery. Alternatively, you can drop them off at your parish office for proper disposal.
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