D
dailymass
Guest
I have been a Catholic a long time, but I don’t understand the basis or background of lighting votive candles - can anyone shed some light as to the purpose, the origin, and what is it supposed to do?
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E
Epsilon_Omega
Guest
Check out: ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/CANDLES.htm
Here are a few paragraphs from the site, but read all of the website when you get the chance:
"Christians adapted the use of lit candles (or even oil lamps in the Eastern Roman Empire) for Mass, liturgical processions, evening prayer ceremonies, funeral processions and, again, to show reverence to the reserved Blessed Sacrament. Moreover, there is evidence that lit candles or oil lamps were burned at the tombs of saints, particularly martyrs, by the 200s, and before sacred images and relics by the 300s. St. Jerome (d 420), in his <Contra Vigilantium,> attested to this practice. Note, however, that this practice probably existed well before our available written evidence.
In our Catholic tradition, in early times as well as today, light has a special significance - Christ Recall Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. No follower of Mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life” (Jn 8:12) and “I have come to the world as its light, to keep anyone who believes in Me from remaining in the dark” (Jn 12:46)
…
Interestingly, in the Middle Ages, the symbolism of the votive candles was elaborated. St. Radigund (d. 587) described a practice whereby a person would light a candle or several candles which equaled his own height, this was called “measuring to” such a saint Although it may seem peculiar to us, this “measuring” actually reflects the idea of the candle representing the person in faith who has come into the light to offer his prayer.
Also, some medieval spiritual writers expanded the imagery of the candle itself: bees wax symbolized the purity of Christ, the wick, the human soul of Christ, and the light His divinity. Also, the burning candle symbolized a sacrifice, which is made in both the offering of the prayer and the acceptance of the Lord’s Will.
In all, the usage of votive candles is a pious practice which continues today in many churches. The symbolism does remind us that prayer is a “coming into” the light of Christ, allowing our souls to be filled with His light, and letting that light bum on in our souls even though we may return to our other activities."
Here are a few paragraphs from the site, but read all of the website when you get the chance:
"Christians adapted the use of lit candles (or even oil lamps in the Eastern Roman Empire) for Mass, liturgical processions, evening prayer ceremonies, funeral processions and, again, to show reverence to the reserved Blessed Sacrament. Moreover, there is evidence that lit candles or oil lamps were burned at the tombs of saints, particularly martyrs, by the 200s, and before sacred images and relics by the 300s. St. Jerome (d 420), in his <Contra Vigilantium,> attested to this practice. Note, however, that this practice probably existed well before our available written evidence.
In our Catholic tradition, in early times as well as today, light has a special significance - Christ Recall Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. No follower of Mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life” (Jn 8:12) and “I have come to the world as its light, to keep anyone who believes in Me from remaining in the dark” (Jn 12:46)
…
Interestingly, in the Middle Ages, the symbolism of the votive candles was elaborated. St. Radigund (d. 587) described a practice whereby a person would light a candle or several candles which equaled his own height, this was called “measuring to” such a saint Although it may seem peculiar to us, this “measuring” actually reflects the idea of the candle representing the person in faith who has come into the light to offer his prayer.
Also, some medieval spiritual writers expanded the imagery of the candle itself: bees wax symbolized the purity of Christ, the wick, the human soul of Christ, and the light His divinity. Also, the burning candle symbolized a sacrifice, which is made in both the offering of the prayer and the acceptance of the Lord’s Will.
In all, the usage of votive candles is a pious practice which continues today in many churches. The symbolism does remind us that prayer is a “coming into” the light of Christ, allowing our souls to be filled with His light, and letting that light bum on in our souls even though we may return to our other activities."
V
Verbum_Caro
Guest
Here’s a great episode of That Catholic Show about candles and light.
sqpn.com/?p=1312
Enjoy!
VC
P.s. Be sure to check out the other episodes of That Catholic Show, quite entertaining!
sqpn.com/?p=1312
Enjoy!
VC
P.s. Be sure to check out the other episodes of That Catholic Show, quite entertaining!
G
gus
Guest
I was practicing airplane apologetics when the young Babist lady seated next to me asked me about votive candles. I wish I had the information above.Here’s a great episode of That Catholic Show about candles and light.
sqpn.com/?p=1312
Enjoy!
VC
P.s. Be sure to check out the other episodes of That Catholic Show, quite entertaining!
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