Catholics and candle lighting?

I am not a Catholic, however, I found this reference to candle lighting. The Sight of burning votive candles -real or electronic - is common in most Catholic churches. The candles are usually placed before statues of saints or at shrines. But how did this tradition get its start?

According to A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals, by Ann Ball (Our Sunday Visitor Books), the practice of lighting candles in order to obtain some favor probably has its origins in the custom of burning lights at the tombs of the martyrs in the catacombs. The lights burned as a sign of solidarity with Christians still on earth. Because the lights continually burned as a silent vigil, they became known as vigil lights.

Vigil Lights (from the Latin vigilia, which means "waiting" or "watching") are traditionally accompanied by prayers of attention or waiting. Another common type of candle offering is the votive light. Such an offering is indicative of seeking some favor from the Lord or the saint before which the votive is placed.

Lighting a candle is a way of extending one's prayer and showing solidarity with the person on whose behalf the prayer is offered.

After the 9/11 tragedy, lit candles figured prominently in a televised concert affirming the power of goodness over the darkness of evil. The symbolism was similar to the Catholic custom of lighting candles as a form of prayer.

In the lighting of candles we remember and truly live the words of Our Lord: "I am the Light of the World." In the lighting of candles we not only pray, but our prayers become smaller symbols of the One Light of Christ. In burning candles, our prayers rise up to Heaven day and night; prayers for the saint's intercession are also common because of their friendship with God in Heaven. Saints are powerful intercessors. The lighting of candles has been observed since the early the time of the early martyrs.

paulette

Apostolic Believer In One God, Jesus

Most, but not all, Catholic churches have candle racks at which people may light candles. Usually there is a box for donations at the rack and people are expected to make a donation for each candle they light. Usually, the suggested donations are listed on a sign near the candle rack. Donations range from $0.10 for a candle that will burn for 10 minutes to, sometimes, $5.00 for a 7-day candle. No one polices it and if you really want to light a candle and don't have the suggested donation you should donate what you can and light the candle anyway. If you feel inclined to donate more than the suggested donation, you should do so. The idea is that you pray for some intention before lighting the candle and the candle burning is a reminder to God of your prayer, which lasts for anywhere from 10 minutes to 7 days. If you feel inclined to light a candle for someone, just remember to pray for them before you light it.

Through lighting candles, we recall and truly live the words of Our Lord: "I am the Light of the World."

I like candles and burn them every day, I am not Catholic!!!!