Please explain all the candles

[tomch]

I’m a relatively new Catholic (was Baptist), and have been wondering something, and thought this would be a good place to ask, as you all have been so helpful in the past with my questions.

In my Church, we have a bunch of big blue candles burning under a statue of Mary, and a bunch of big red candles burning under a statue of Jesus. Also, next to some of the statues of the Saints, there are smaller candles that can be lit. (Also a slot where people can feed in money - I’m guessing this is to offset the cost of these candles).

I assume that these candles signify our requests for these Saints (and Jesus) to pray for us. Am I correct? Is there anything more to it that I’m missing?

Next, I need to find out where to buy such candles so that I can participate, but I’m sure that’s a parish to parish thing. Maybe I’ll ask my Priest at my next confession.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

There are various kinds of candles used.

Here’s an answer about votive candles (the small ones that individuals light). Basically they are signs of our prayers as they keep burning until they are consumed.

You will find a candle (usually in a red holder) near the tabernacle. That is lit as a sign that Jesus is present in the tabernacle.

The Easter candle is lit at the Easter vigil, used throughout the Easter season, and used at baptisms and funerals. This candle is symbolic of the risen Christ.

 

[Pani_Rose]

In the Byzantine Churchs there is a prayer that we pray, especially during our PreSanctified Liturgy of Great and Holy Lent, I think it explains the candles better than anything else, except that it is referring to incene which is from the Scriptures. In the lighting of the candles as well as the incense we are asking God to rmember our prayers.

Priest: Let my prayer ascend to You like incense, and the lifting up of my hands like an evening sacrifice.
People: Let my prayer ascend to You like incense, and the lifting up of my hands like an evening sacrifice.
Priest: 0 Lord, I have cried to You, now hear me; listen to my voice when I call upon You.
People: Let my prayer ascend to You like incense, and the lifting up of my hands like an evening sacrifice.
Priest: 0 Lord, set a guard before my mouth, and set a seal on the door of my lips.
People: Let my prayer ascend to You like incense, and the lifting up of my hands like an evening sacrifice.
Priest: Let not my heart be inclined to evil, nor make excuse for the sins I commit.
People: Let my prayer ascend to You like incense, and the lifting up of my hands like an evening sacrifice.
Priest: Let my prayer ascend to You like incense:
People: And the lifting up of my hands like an evening sacrifice.
byzantines.net/liturgy/presanctified.htm