Why Light Votive Candles?

In the Christian tradition, light is a symbol of faith, truth, wisdom, virtue, grace, the divine life, charity, the ardor of prayer and the sacred presence which flow from Christ Himself. With this background, we can appreciate the usage of votive candles. Here, as in early Christian times, we light a candle before a statue or sacred image of our Lord or of a saint. Of course, we do not honor the statue or the image itself, but the one whom that statue or image represents. The light signifies our prayer offered in faith coming into the light of God. With the light of faith, we petition our Lord in prayer, or petition the saint to pray with us and for us to the Lord. The light also shows a special reverence and our desire to remain present to the Lord in prayer even after we depart from the church and go about our daily business. 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.

At Our Lady of Fatima Church, we have votive candles located on the two side altars, one which honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the other which honors the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For safety reasons, our candles are electric rather than open flame. Persons wishing to have a candle lit to represent their prayer intentions are asked to use the available offering envelopes to make an offering for the candle and placing the envelope in the “poor boxes” located by the doors of the church. After your intention is received, a member of the parish staff will light a candle on your behalf.