Votive candles. What are they and why do we light them?
We have several places at Prince of Peace where you can light votive candles in church or the chapel. So why do we do this? Almost nothing says “Catholic” like votive candles, especially if they are placed before images or statues in a church. The Church has a long tradition dating back to the words of Christ regarding light and the connection with candles.
“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).
The word “votive” comes from the Latin votum, meaning promise or vow. It reinforces the idea that the candles represent our prayers or promises before God.
At the Easter Vigil, we enter a darkened church with the new Paschal, or Easter, candle. This candle represents Christ’s victory over death as the Light of the World. We use candles at the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus – often referred to as Candlemas – when Jesus was presented at the Temple according to Jewish tradition. Once again, the light of Christ being presented before His Father. We use candles around the altar – 6 are mandated by liturgical rituals. We process with candles for the presentation of the Gospel at masses. Once again, we’re hearing the Word Made Flesh, the Light of the World, at that point, and visually showing it by the light of the candles.
The use of votive candles reflects our prayers being offered to God. And even that our prayers are being offered when we are not directly in the presence of the church building – that as the candle burns throughout the week, we remain connected in prayer to the Church, often through the intercession of a saint, for whatever our intention may be.
Finally, I’ve been asked how much should I give when I light a candle, or do I have to give? It’s not mandatory to leave money in exchange for lighting a candle, but the option is there. Normally it’s just a dollar or two to cover the Church’s cost of purchasing the candles. There are places to put the money at the votive stands on the sides. Or you can put it in an envelope in the collection and mark it for candles.
Hopefully the lighting of votive candles will be a reminder to all of us to pray for the needs of each other and to keep us connected to our God through the intercession of our saints.
All holy men and women, pray for us.