 Candles
Why do Catholics light candles at church?
Dear Inquirer,
 Thanks
for the question. We light candles during
official church services (called liturgy, such as Mass) to indicate
the special solemnity of the occasion.
Perhaps
you are also referring to those stands which have small banks of candles
which people can light (usually within small glass containers, colored
or not, and often called "vigil lights"). Often you can find them near
a statue or icon of Mary. These are called votive candles and
indicate that someone is praying about something particular, either
for themselves or on behalf of someone else. The word "votive" can also
refer to a promise to pray for someone, as well as a wish or desire
for a certain outcome on behalf of someone, such as recovery of health.
Above, right: stand for votive candles
|
