Michael Brooks
The baptismal candle is an important symbol in Catholic baptisms, representing a new life given by Christ, the Light of the World. The candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism every year, and on other days of special spiritual significance. In the Latin Rite, parents and godparents are reminded that the light of the candle should never be extinguished and that the baptised child should always walk as a child of the light. The leftover candle stub is burned to its end on the day of death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 1 |
| Who lights the candle? | Godfather |
| When is the candle lit? | During the Rite of Baptism |
| When else is the candle lit? | On the anniversary of the baptism, on other days of spiritual significance, at the reception of the Sacrament of Marriage, on the day of first holy communion, on the wedding day, while receiving the sacraments in serious illness, and at the hour of death |
| Who provides the candle? | Parents |
| Who keeps the candle after the ceremony? | Parents |
| What happens to the leftover candle after death? | It is placed at the head of the coffin during the wake and kept burning until it is consumed |
| What are candles decorated with? | Religious designs |
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What You'll Learn
The candle symbolises a new life given by Christ, the 'Light of the World'
The candle is a significant part of Catholic baptism. It symbolises a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World". The candle is often lit on the anniversary of the baptismal day, and on other days of special spiritual significance. The leftover candle stub is burned to its end on the day of death. The candle symbolises a light that is not to be hidden or blown out but is intended to shine forever.
In the Latin Rite, the priest reminds the parents and godparents that the light is entrusted to them and must be kept burning brightly. The child has been enlightened by Christ and must walk as a child of the light. The godfather lights the baptismal candle from the Easter Candle's light, and the priest prays that the newly baptised person may "shine with the light of faith and good works".
The baptismal candle is often decorated with religious designs and is carefully kept in the home. The candle is lit for a few minutes on the anniversary of the baptism, and the child offers joyful prayers to God, thanking Him for His grace and renewing their baptismal vows. The candle is also lit on solemn occasions in later life, such as the first holy communion, wedding day, and the reception of the sacraments in serious illness.
The baptism candle is a cherished symbol of spiritual birth, and its light represents the new life given by Christ. This light is a reminder of the faith and good works that the baptised person is expected to embody in their daily lives. The candle is a powerful symbol of the transformation and enlightenment that comes with baptism.
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The candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism
The candle plays a significant role in Catholic baptisms. It is a symbol of a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World", and is lit by the godfather during the ceremony. The candle is then carefully kept in the home, becoming a cherished symbol of spiritual birth.
The anniversary of a Catholic baptism is often joyfully celebrated as a personal feast day, marking the true birthday of supernatural life. On this day, the baptismal candle is lit for a few minutes while the baptised individual offers a joyful prayer to God, thanking Him for the grace of the sacrament and renewing their baptismal vows.
The candle is also lit on other solemn occasions in one's life, such as the day of first holy communion, wedding day, while receiving the sacraments during serious illness, and at the hour of death. In this way, the candle continues to hold significance throughout the individual's spiritual journey, serving as a reminder of their commitment to Christ.
The lighting of the candle on the anniversary of baptism is a tradition that reinforces the importance of this sacred event in the life of a Catholic. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal of one's faith and commitment to God. This practice underscores the enduring nature of the sacrament and the belief that the light of Christ should shine forever.
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The candle is used on other special occasions, such as a wedding
The candle is a significant part of Catholic baptism, symbolizing a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World". The candle is lit during the ceremony and handed to the sponsor, who holds it while the priest addresses the child. The priest reminds the parents and godparents to keep the candle burning brightly, symbolizing the light of faith and good works. The candle is then carefully kept in the home and lit every year on the anniversary of the baptism.
The baptismal candle is also used on other solemn occasions in one's life, such as a wedding. The use of candles in weddings is a relatively new custom, with its origins in 20th-century American Protestant weddings. It is known as the "Unity Candle Ceremony", symbolizing the joining of two people in marriage. While this ceremony is not explicitly part of Catholic wedding traditions, it has gained popularity and may be included in some Catholic weddings.
In a Catholic wedding, the unity candle ceremony may be adapted to include the baptismal candle. The couple may choose to light their individual taper candles from their respective family candles, symbolizing their separate families. They then come together to light the baptismal candle, representing their union as one in marriage.
Including the baptismal candle in a wedding ceremony adds a layer of symbolism and significance. It not only represents the couple's commitment to each other but also their shared faith and spiritual journey. The candle serves as a reminder of their baptismal vows and the grace of the sacrament. By incorporating the baptismal candle, the couple acknowledges the presence of God in their marriage and seeks His blessing and guidance in their new life together.
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The candle is often decorated with religious designs
The candle used in Catholic baptisms is often decorated with religious designs. This candle is a symbol of a new life given by Christ, the "Light of the World". The candle's light is never to be extinguished and is intended to shine forever. In the Latin Rite, the parents and godparents are reminded that:
> "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light."
The candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism every year, and on other days of spiritual significance. The leftover candle stub can be burned until it is consumed on the day of death. The candle is also used on solemn occasions in later life, such as the day of the first holy Communion, the wedding day, and especially at the hour of death.
The baptismal candle is often decorated with religious designs by the family. The priest will gladly use such a candle if brought by the parents and will allow them to take it home after the ceremony, according to pious custom. The candle is then carefully kept in the home.
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The godfather lights the candle from the Easter Candle
The godfather plays an important role in the Catholic baptism ceremony, particularly in the lighting of the baptismal candle. This candle is lit from the Easter Candle, also known as the Paschal Candle, which holds great significance in Christianity.
The Easter Candle is often beautifully adorned and situated on a candle stand beside the baptismal font. It is typically made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, with the wick symbolising His humanity and the flame His Divine Nature. The lighting of this candle during the Easter Vigil service represents Christ, the "Light of the World", dispelling the darkness.
The godfather, as the baptised person's sponsor, holds a special role in the ceremony. By lighting the baptismal candle from the Easter Candle, the godfather symbolically passes on the light of Christ to the newly baptised person. This act signifies the passing of a new life given by Christ, a light that is intended to shine forever.
The priest then offers a prayer for the newly baptised, asking that they may "shine with the light of faith and good works." In the Latin Rite, the priest also reminds the parents and godparents of their responsibility to keep this light burning brightly, guiding the child to always walk as a child of the light.
The baptismal candle becomes a cherished symbol of spiritual birth. It is often decorated with religious designs and carefully kept in the home. On the anniversary of baptism, it is lit again as the child renews their baptismal vows. The candle may also be lit on other solemn occasions in later life, such as the first holy Communion, Wedding day, and even at the hour of death.
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Frequently asked questions
Only one candle is used during Catholic baptisms. This candle is known as the baptismal candle.
The candle is a symbol of a new life that has been given by Christ, the "Light of the World".
The family of the baptised person keeps the candle and brings it out on the anniversary of the baptism, lighting it while the child says a joyful prayer to thank God.
The candle can be lit on other days of special spiritual significance, such as one's wedding day or during serious illness.
