Lighting candles in church

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sablouwho

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I grew up in NYC, and when I was a kid, my mom and I would sometimes go into St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where she would let me light a candle. Not sure why we would do this, considering we’re Jewish, but that’s what we would do…

In any case, I’m realizing that I don’t know exactly what those candles are for? IOW, what is the purpose of lighting a candle in the church?

Sorry, I know that this question is very basic! (Also, I apologize if I posted this in the wronge section of the message board!)
 
sablouwho said:
I grew up in NYC, and when I was a kid, my mom and I would sometimes go into St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where she would let me light a candle. Not sure why we would do this, considering we’re Jewish, but that’s what we would do…

In any case, I’m realizing that I don’t know exactly what those candles are for? IOW, what is the purpose of lighting a candle in the church?

Sorry, I know that this question is very basic! (Also, I apologize if I posted this in the wronge section of the message board!)
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The candles you were lighting were called Votive Prayer Candles

A church member burns a votive candle when praying for a specific circumstance or outcome, such as the safe return or improved health of a loved one.
Votive candles sit on stands or racks, which often face a shrine, such as a statue of Jesus or the Virgin Mary.
 
sablouwho said:
I grew up in NYC, and when I was a kid, my mom and I would sometimes go into St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where she would let me light a candle. Not sure why we would do this, considering we’re Jewish, but that’s what we would do…

In any case, I’m realizing that I don’t know exactly what those candles are for? IOW, what is the purpose of lighting a candle in the church?

Sorry, I know that this question is very basic! (Also, I apologize if I posted this in the wronge section of the message board!)
Click to expand...
the symbolism is like the psalm says let your prayer rise up to heaven like incense, and as in the Scripture, flame is always a sign of the presence of the Lord. I imagine candles were a very familiar symbol to her as they are very much part of practice of your faith in the home. and it is always fun for a child to be allowed to light one. It is just another visible outward sign of the inward attitude of prayer as are the prayer shawls used by men of your faith.
 
centurionguard said:
The candles you were lighting were called Votive Prayer Candles

A church member burns a votive candle when praying for a specific circumstance or outcome, such as the safe return or improved health of a loved one.
Votive candles sit on stands or racks, which often face a shrine, such as a statue of Jesus or the Virgin Mary.
Click to expand...
I notice that you said “a church member” up above. Would it be considered wrong for me to light such a candle now, while I am still an RCIA candidate and not yet officially Catholic? Or do candles come more under the “sacramentals” category, which as I understand it, are ok for non-Catholics to participate in?
 
Probably a more hard-core and more knowledgeable Catholic could answer better but I do believe if you are able to pray, it is ok to do so. Please correct me if I’m wrong here.
 
sablouwho said:
I notice that you said “a church member” up above. Would it be considered wrong for me to light such a candle now, while I am still an RCIA candidate and not yet officially Catholic? Or do candles come more under the “sacramentals” category, which as I understand it, are ok for non-Catholics to participate in?
Click to expand...
Votive candles are sacrementals (like holy water and the rosary) and as such can be used by anyone. Puzzleannie’s explanation was spot on as to purpose and intention.
 
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