Why Do We Light Candles?

The first thing anyone notices upon entering any Catholic Church is the vestibule full of lit candles. We see people making an offering, taking the candle, lighting it, saying a prayer and placing the candle in the holder. So what is this all about?

Christ said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)  Jesus Christ is that light. He is the light that shines for us in the midst this world of darkness. And anyone who follows Him needs not fear that darkness because we know that Christ will always shine for us, leading us in the Way to the Father. Each time we light a candle, we are called to remember that it is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the True Light and that He and only He will grant us True Life.

Every candle that we light should be a time of prayer in which we reflect upon the salvation that the Lord has worked for us and also a time of recommitment, where we renew our Baptismal promises that we, as children of God, are called to “Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in Heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

In lighting our candles, the first thing we should do is make an offering for this candle. Everything that we have is from God and the first step is to give back to Him for all of His many blessings. Next, we light the candle, remembering all of our loved ones who are sick or who have passed into the next life, or who we just want to pray for, and beseech God to have mercy on their souls.

Lastly, as we place the candle in the stand, we quietly say “Lord have mercy,” repenting for our own sinfulness while at the same time “re-igniting” our own flame and recommitting our whole life to God. Thus, we begin again to live as light, helping others see the Way in a world of darkness.
 

Candle Locations & Donations

Votive Candles are located in the Church by each statue of the saints and by the Blessed Mother shrine. The suggested donation for each candle burned is $5.00. for the large candles (6 days) and $0.50 for the small candles (4 hours).  Thank you in advance for your generosity and love for the Lord Jesus!