“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
The Catholic Church has used candles in her liturgical rites and worship since classical times, and their use has deep historical and symbolic meaning. Far beyond the mere function of lighting a physical space, the flicker of a candle’s flame bears profound spiritual significance. When used in the liturgy or personal prayer, candles point to sacred realities about life and death, grace, the Sacraments and ultimately the Light of the World. This article will explore both the historical and spiritual significance of Catholic candles used in the liturgy and beyond.
Historical Roots of Catholic Candles
Catholics have used candles in her liturgy and private prayer since the early Church. In the Roman Empire, carrying tapers was a sign of respect and honor for dignitaries, and this practice was adopted and baptized by the early Church to show honor for God and His ministers, especially in the liturgy. Additionally, from apostolic times, candles were a prominent part of the celebration of the Easter vigil, and St. Jerome wrote at the end of the third century that candles were lit during the reading of the Gospel as a sign of joy. Throughout the centuries, the use of candles in the liturgy and private devotion developed and continues to the present day.
Catholic Candles - Sacred Signs
Since human beings are a unity of body and soul, we express and perceive spiritual realities through physical signs (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1146). The seven Sacraments, and sacramentals such as candles, are outward signs which reveal inward realities. Catholic candles have many layers of meaning, pointing to the spiritual realities of Christ, the liturgical seasons, the communion of saints, power of prayer and more.
Candles Symbolize Christ, The Light of the World
The first and fundamental reality that candles point to when used in the liturgy and private devotion is Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Sacred Scripture refers to Christ as the Light of the World numerous times, as in the Gospel of John where Jesus says,
“I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Just as Christ is the Light of the World, all Christians are called to participate in Christ’s light and share it with others, as Christ teaches in the Sermon on the Mount:
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14-16)
Lighting candles reminds the Christian of Christ who is the source of light and life, and of our call to take Christ’s light to those who live in darkness.
Catholic Candles and Liturgical Seasons
From Advent to Easter, and countless feasts in between, candles are used throughout the liturgical year to reveal truths about important seasons and celebrations.
Advent Candles
The four Advent candles lit during the four weeks leading up to Christmas symbolize the gradual approach of the Messiah, who brought light to a world in darkness. Each week as an additional candle is lit, Catholics contemplate that the Light of the World is drawing near. Furthermore, each week’s Advent candle symbolizes a different virtue or gift:
- First Week of Advent Candle (Purple) – Symbolizes: Hope
- Second Week of Advent Candle (Purple) – Symbolizes: Peace
- Third Week of Advent Candle (Pink) – Symbolizes: Joy
- Fourth Week of Advent Candle (Purple) – Symbolizes: Love
The Paschal Candle – The Easter Candle
The Easter Vigil includes powerful symbolism of candles and fire as the liturgy begins outside the Church with faithful gathering around blazing fire which the priest blesses, allowing the faithful to experience the flames dispelling darkness and lighting up the night.
The Paschal Candle, also known as the Easter Candle, is then blessed as a symbol of the light of Christ, rising in glory and dispelling the darkness of our hearts and minds. Lit from the blessed bonfire, the priest processes into the Church with the Paschal Candle, from which the people light their smaller candles, a reminder to let the light of the risen Christ burn in our souls as well.
The Baptismal Candle
Beginning with the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) at the Easter Vigil, where catechumens are baptized into the Catholic Church, and all throughout the upcoming year, Baptismal candles will be lit from the Easter Candle, symbolizing the life of grace which burns in the soul of the newly baptized – a light we must protect from being extinguished through mortal sin. Just as Christ destroyed darkness and death on Easter, the Risen Christ comes to dwell in the soul through baptism, giving new life and light, expelling the darkness of sin.
The Feast of Candlemas
Highlighting the importance of candles in the life of the Church is the beautiful feast of Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation. On the feast of Candlemas, candles to be used in the church for the upcoming year are blessed and the faithful are invited to bring their own candles to be blessed for use in the home throughout the year. This feast, too, reveals Jesus as “Light to the Nations” and “Light of the World”, a powerful reminder in the dark days of winter that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Candles and the Communion of Saints
Since the early Church, candles have been used as a sign of unity between Christ the Head, and His Mystical Body the Church. Early Christians lit candles before tombs in the catacombs as they prayed for their deceased loved ones, remembering the unity that remained in Christ even after death. Candles lit for the dead serve as a symbol of the prayers being offered for a soul in purgatory, that they may be purified by God’s mercy and enter the eternal light of heaven.
Candles as a Tool for Prayer
Throughout the ages whether in Church or in the home, Christians have lit votive candles before images and statues of saints, as a symbol of prayers being offered, asking for the saint’s intercession. The lighting of a candle during prayer is an outward sign of the inward devotion, symbolizing the lifting of one’s prayers, heart and soul to God and the desire of a soul to be illuminated by God’s grace.
Candles Point to the Presence of God
In Catholic liturgy, candles are often used to point to the presence of God. First and foremost, the red sanctuary lamp is lit when the Blessed Sacrament is present inside a tabernacle, letting the faithful know that Christ is present. Candles also flank the Book of the Gospels as it is read during Mass, pointing to Christ’s presence in the proclamation of His Word (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7). Additionally, at every Mass, candles are lit on the altar, pointing to the dignity of the sacred sacrifice and feast which will be celebrated there. Finally, on the altar which represents Christ’s body, the number of candles lit denote the level of feast being celebrated that day. On ordinary days of the liturgical year (when no feasts are celebrated) two altar candles are lit, on feast days four candles are lit, on Sundays and Solemnities, six candles are lit, and when the diocesan bishop celebrates Mass, seven candles are lit on the altar, signifying the completeness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders represented by the bishop’s presence.
From the liturgy and Sacraments to personal prayer, candles denote the dignity, joy and sacred character of the occasion. May we bring the light received in the liturgy into our homes, to share with all we encounter there. Let us make our homes true domestic churches by letting the light of Christ shine for all to see.
Ways to use prayer candles in your home to create a sacred space:
- Light prayer candles during meals, highlighting the joy of shared family time.
- Light prayer candles during personal prayer, as a sign of God’s presence.
- Light prayer candles as you work, asking God to be present with you in your tasks.
- Light prayer candles during your family rosary, creating a sacred time and space.
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