Sarah Mitchell
Lighting candles is a significant part of Catholic celebrations and rituals. The votive candle, derived from the Latin word 'votum' meaning promise, dedication or prayer, is a symbol of prayer and faith. Votive candles are lit before statues or sacred images of the Lord or a saint, to show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament. The lighting of a votive candle is a continuation of the prayer, even after the person praying has left the church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | The light is a symbol of Christ, faith, truth, wisdom, virtue, grace, the divine life, charity, the ardor of prayer and the sacred presence which flow from Christ Himself. |
| Placement | Votive candles are placed before a statue or sacred image of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or some other saint. |
| Donation | A donation box is usually placed near a votive candle rack for Christians to make a votive offering to the church. |
| Monetary Offering | The suggested offering for a votive candle is $3.00. |
| Purpose | Votive candles are lit during prayer, liturgy, and processions, and to show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament. |
| Candle Type | Votive candles are squat, shorter, and rounder than vigil candles. |
| Candle Material | Votive candles are made of beeswax, representing Christ's purity. |
| Candle Color | Votive candles are usually yellow or white, but the color of the candle in a Catholic home is subjective. |
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What You'll Learn
The symbolism of light in Catholicism
Lighting votive candles is a common practice in Catholicism, with the act of lighting a candle being steeped in symbolism and tradition. The use of candles in Catholic rituals and ceremonies is an ancient tradition that holds deep meaning for Catholics worldwide.
Candles are often lit during Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. They are also lit before the Tabernacle to signify the Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament and to show reverence. This practice is similar to the Jewish tradition of keeping a perpetual light burning in the Temple to show the presence of God.
In Catholicism, light symbolises Christ's presence, with Jesus himself declaring, "I am the light of the world. No follower of Mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life." The lighting of candles in Catholic churches symbolises the presence of Christ, who is referred to as the "Light of the World" in Christian faith. The candle's flame represents Christ's eternal light and his guidance, offering believers hope and salvation.
The lighting of votive candles also represents the act of offering oneself to God. During the liturgy for the Sacrament of Baptism, the priest presents a candle lit from the Paschal candle, symbolising the Paschal mystery. The light is a symbol of faith, truth, wisdom, virtue, grace, and the divine life flowing from Christ.
In addition to its spiritual significance, the lighting of votive candles can also be a peaceful ritual, providing a moment of introspection and connecting generations of Catholics through shared tradition. The soft glow of multiple candle flames creates a sacred atmosphere that fosters a sense of unity and community among believers.
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The use of candles in Catholic rituals
In Catholic tradition, 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 Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament and to show reverence. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are placed before statues of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or another saint.
The lighting of a candle signifies a prayer offered in faith, coming into the light of God. It is also a symbol of faith, truth, wisdom, virtue, grace, the divine life, charity, and the sacred presence of Christ. In the liturgy for the Sacrament of Baptism, the priest presents a candle lit from the Paschal candle, which symbolizes the Paschal mystery, and urges the newly baptized to "keep the flame of faith alive" in their hearts.
Votive candles are a common sight in Catholic churches, often placed in a rack with a donation box nearby. These candles are seen as an offering, indicating that the person lighting the candle is seeking some favour from the Lord or saint before whom the candle is placed. Lighting a candle for someone is a way to extend prayers and show solidarity with the person the prayer is being made on behalf of.
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The placement of votive candles
In addition to their placement near Marian altars, votive candles are also often found before statues or sacred images of Jesus Christ or other saints. This practice dates back to early Christian times, where candles were lit as a symbol of reverence and devotion, not to the statue itself but to whom the statue represents. The light of the candle is believed to signify the prayer offered in faith, allowing it to be lifted into the light of God.
In some Catholic churches, votive candle stands or racks may be placed near a donation box, allowing Christians to make a votive offering to help cover the cost of the candles. A board may also be placed nearby with the names of those for whom prayers have been requested. This practice reflects the belief in the continued presence of the prayers and concerns of the faithful even after they have left the church.
The specific placement of votive candles can vary depending on the church denomination. For example, in Eastern Orthodox Churches, votive candles are typically long and thin, placed in round containers with sockets or in containers filled with sand. These candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos. Orthodox churches often have a separate place for candles lit for the departed, a distinction not made in Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches.
Overall, the placement of votive candles in Catholic liturgy holds significant symbolic value, representing the light of Christ and the faithful's prayers, devotion, and reverence for the Lord.
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The significance of lighting votive candles before statues or sacred images
The use of votive candles is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, with candles playing a significant role in most Catholic celebrations and rituals. The act of lighting a votive candle before a statue or sacred image holds great symbolic value for Catholics.
In Catholic liturgy, the Sacrament of Baptism involves the priest presenting a candle lit from the Paschal candle, symbolising the Paschal mystery. The newly baptised is told to "keep the flame of faith alive in your hearts", emphasising the importance of light as a symbol of faith and Christ Himself. Lighting votive candles is an extension of this belief, with the light representing prayers offered in faith, illuminating the path to God.
The placement of votive candles before statues or sacred images is an act of reverence and devotion. Catholics light candles before statues of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other saints. This practice does not honour the statue or image itself but the person it represents. The candle symbolises the prayer offered, seeking help and guidance from the saint or figure depicted.
The lighting of votive candles also signifies the presence of the divine. In Catholicism, light holds special significance, with Jesus declaring, "I am the light of the world". Thus, candles are lit before the Tabernacle to signify the Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament, echoing the Jewish tradition of a perpetual light in the Temple to signify God's presence.
Additionally, votive candles can represent sacrifice and piety. In the Middle Ages, St. Radegund described a practice of "measuring to" a saint, where individuals would light candles equal to their height. This act symbolised the person's faith, with the candle representing their prayer and devotion to the saint.
The lighting of votive candles before statues or sacred images in Catholic tradition is, therefore, a meaningful act that symbolises prayer, faith, reverence, and the presence of the divine. It is a way for Catholics to connect with their faith and seek guidance from saints and sacred figures.
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The different types of prayer candles in Catholicism
The use of candles in Catholic prayer and worship services has a long history and holds significant meaning. The light of a candle represents Christ, who is regarded as "the Light of the World". The lighting of a candle symbolises a prayer being offered in faith, coming into the light of God.
There are several types of prayer candles used in Catholicism, including votive candles, vigil lights, and candles used during Advent and Lenten wreaths.
Votive candles are the most common type of prayer candle in Catholic churches. They are often lit before a statue or sacred image of Christ, Mother Mary, or various saints. In Catholic tradition, the candle is not honouring the statue or image itself, but rather the figure it represents. These candles are usually placed in a round metal frame with sockets or a container filled with sand. A donation box is typically placed near votive candles, allowing those lighting them to contribute to the cost and make a votive offering to the church.
Vigil lights are another type of prayer candle used by Catholics. These candles are typically accompanied by prayers of attention or waiting.
During Advent and Lent, Catholics may also use candles as part of their wreath displays.
In addition to these, there are various other types of candles used in Catholic prayer, including those lit during the Sacrament of Baptism, where the candle symbolises the Paschal mystery, and those lit during liturgical celebrations like Allhallowtide and Totensonntag, which commemorate the dead.
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Frequently asked questions
Votive candles are a type of prayer candle used by Catholics to assist in a visual representation of prayer. The word "votive" comes from the Latin "votum", meaning promise, dedication or simply “prayer”.
The lighting of candles plays a significant role in Catholic celebrations and rituals. They are lit during the celebration of Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. Votive candles are placed before statues or images of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other saints.
Catholics employ two main types of prayer candles: vigil candles and votive candles. Vigil candles are longer and thinner, while votive candles are shorter and rounder.
There are no strict rules regarding the lighting of votive candles. You can simply go to a church, light a votive candle, and offer a prayer. It is considered good etiquette to leave a monetary donation to help cover the cost of the candle.
Light is a symbol of faith, truth, wisdom, virtue, grace, and the divine presence of Christ. John's Gospel connects Christ and true life with the imagery of light, stating that "Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
