Q. Many parishes have votive candles. What is their purpose? Should I be lighting candles?
A. Good question. Thanks for asking it. I believe every Catholic Church has votive candles. They are usually two sizes, small and large. The small ones usually burn for a day, the larger ones for a week. The candles are usually in red or blue globes in a votive candle stand in the sanctuary of the Church, usually near the altar.
There is often a donation box to help cover the cost of the candles for the parish.
Light has a well-known understanding in Judeo/Christian history. Light illumines and provides warmth. Exodus 27:20 – 21 and Leviticus 24:2 – 4. Light (candles) is used in the Liturgy (the Mass and other sacraments). In the New Testament light is equated with Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” John 1:4 - 9; John 8:12 and John 12:46.
The bottom line is that candles are a visible and tangible reminder of one’s prayers in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. That is, a person who has a prayer intention cannot always be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament beseeching the Lord personally for that intention. Therefore, a lighted votive candle is a visible sign and reminder that a person’s prayer intention remains before the Lord.
That being said, votive candles cannot or should not be superstitious. That is, votive candles do not guarantee that one’s prayers will be answered. They are just a visual reminder that someone has a prayer intention that he or she wants to be remembered. Should you be doing this? If you wish. There is no obligation. Thanks for the question.
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
