Why Do Catholics Use Votive Candles?

Votive candles are an important tradition in Catholic worship and devotion. The term “votive” comes from the Latin word “votum” which means “vow” or “promise”. Votive candles are candles that are lit as an offering, prayer, or petition to God or saints. The light of the candle represents the prayer rising up to heaven.

Catholics light votive candles as a symbolic way to offer prayers, intercessions, or give thanks. The lighting of a candle signifies making an offering or sacrifice to God. Votive candles are placed before statues, sacred images, or relics of saints as a symbol of the worshipper’s prayer and devotion. The flickering candle flame represents the continued prayer ascending to heaven even after the worshipper leaves.

History of Votive Candles in Catholicism

The use of votive candles can be traced back to the early days of Christianity. In the catacombs of ancient Rome, archaeologists have uncovered niches carved into walls that once held small lamps or candles. These were likely used by early Christians to represent prayers offered in memory of deceased loved ones or to honor saints and martyrs.

During the Middle Ages, the practice of lighting votive candles became more common in Catholic churches. They were placed before side altars, shrines and statues of saints as a symbol of the worshipper’s prayer and devotion. The lighting of a candle represented the offering of oneself through the flame. The practice was encouraged by the church as a physical embodiment of one’s prayers.

By the 18th century, most Catholic churches had racks or stands to hold multiple votive candles, with offerings collected in boxes nearby. Devotees would light a candle before an image of a saint while saying a prayer of intercession. This custom continues today in Catholic churches around the world.

Spiritual Significance

Candles have held spiritual meaning across many religions for centuries. The lighting of candles in Catholicism also carries deep spiritual symbolism. The small flickering flame of a lit votive candle represents the light of faith and the flame of the Holy Spirit. Just as a candle illuminates darkness, the light reminds Catholics to let their faith be a guiding light in times of difficulty or moments of doubt. The ascending flame also evokes prayers and hopes rising to Heaven.

Candles and light have always had sacred meaning in Christianity, from the Easter Vigil lighting of the Paschal candle representing the light of Christ, to lighting candles on the Advent wreath symbolizing the coming of Christ. The warmth and gentle glow of a lit candle signifies God’s love and presence watching over us. It’s also said that as natural wax is consumed by an immaterial flame, this represents a person’s soul rising to meet the immaterial divine. Overall, the votive candle flame represents the connection between humans and the divine, and the light of faith that lives within each person.

Prayer and Devotion

Lighting votive candles is an important part of prayer and worship for many Catholics. The flickering flame represents the prayer intentions and devotions offered to God, Jesus, Mary, or the saints. Catholics light candles before or after praying in order to amplify their prayers. The physical presence of the lit candle can help worshippers focus their thoughts and offer their petitions with sincerity. The melting wax symbolizes the passing of time as the prayer rises to heaven. Catholics often pray while watching the candle burn down, feeling connected to the divine through this ritual. Some choose to light a candle instead of saying a verbal prayer. Overall, votive candles allow Catholics to make their faith tangible and create a reflective space for their devotions.

Petitioning the Saints

One of the most common reasons Catholics light votive candles is to ask for the intercession of saints. Saints are holy people who lived exemplary lives of faith and are believed to be with God in heaven. Many saints are associated with certain causes, struggles, or vocations. For example, St. Jude is the patron saint of hopeless causes, St. Anthony helps those who have lost things, and St. Florian watches over firefighters.

When faced with difficulties, Catholics often light a candle and say a prayer asking a saint to pray to God on their behalf. The flickering flame represents the prayer rising to heaven. It shows the living prayer in action and signifies the urgent intentions being lifted to God’s ear. Asking saints for intercession does not replace praying directly to God, but rather enhances it. Just as asking friends on earth to pray for you does not exclude praying yourself, requesting the prayers of heavenly saints simply expands the web of supplication.

Some common reasons Catholics may light a candle seeking a saint’s intercession include asking for healing from illness, praying for help finding employment, requesting safety during travel, or seeking comfort after the loss of a loved one. The candle represents the cry of the heart offered in faith and hope. This practice connects believers across centuries and reminds us of the “great cloud of witnesses” ever cheering us onward.

Healing

Lighting votive candles is a longstanding tradition for those seeking healing and recovery from illness or injury. The flame of a candle represents the light of God, and Catholics often pray and petition saints or Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to intercede with God for healing miracles. When lighting a candle, one offers up prayers for the restoration of health for oneself or for loved ones.

Candles are frequently lit for the deceased as well, praying for the repose of the soul and intercession. The candles serve as a symbolic “light in the darkness” for both the living and the dead. They represent hope, faith and the enduring presence of God even in the darkest moments of illness, grief or loss.

The lighting of votive candles with prayers and petitions is thought to invite divine intervention and convey the needs of the faithful. The warmth and light of the flame serves as a physical representation of the petition offered. Votive candles are often placed near statues, images or relics of saints associated with healing, like St. Peregrine, patron saint of those suffering from cancer or other illnesses.

The lighting of votive candles for healing is a simple yet profound act of faith and remembrance. The flickering flame represents an ongoing prayer, even after the person leaves the church or shrine. The restoring power of Christ is perpetually invoked through these humble votive lights.

Memorials

One of the most common uses of votive candles is to honor deceased loved ones. Lighting a candle in memory of someone who has passed away is a longstanding Catholic tradition. Votive candles serve as a symbolic way to pay tribute to the dead and recognize their continued presence in spirit.

Catholics often light votive candles on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, their birthday, or other significant dates. These memorial candles represent prayers for the deceased as their soul journeys through purgatory. The candles offer a visual emblem of remembrance and the living’s desire to remain connected with those they have lost.

Votive candle stands are frequently found in Catholic cemeteries with candles lit beside gravesites and mausoleums. These vigil lights allow the bereaved to honor their departed even when they are unable to be physically present at the burial site. The glowing candles signify ongoing compassion and the perpetual flame embodies the eternal soul.

For many Catholics, lighting votive candles in memoriam provides comfort and solace. The ritual offers a tangible way to process grief. Seeing the flickering light of a memorial candle can instill a peaceful, spiritual feeling of the loved one’s enduring presence. Votive candles keep alive the memories of those who have passed on.

Offerings

One of the most common reasons Catholics light votive candles is to offer them as gifts to God or the saints. The lighting of a candle represents a spiritual offering and sacrifice. Catholics believe that placing a candle before an image or statue of a saint is like giving a gift, and the saint will intercede on their behalf. The candle symbolizes the gift of their prayers.

When lighting a candle as an offering, Catholics will often say a prayer asking for the saint’s blessings and protection in exchange for the candle. Some common intentions include asking for healing, guidance, strength, or to find a lost item. The candle represents their petition. Lighting it shows their faith that God and the saints hear their needs. They trust their prayers will be answered in return for the offering.

Some Catholics will make regular candle offerings, lighting them daily or weekly before an image of a saint as an ongoing spiritual sacrifice and request for intercession. The consistent candle offering reflects their deep devotion and reliance on the saint’s help and blessings in their lives.

Traditions and Customs

Lighting votive candles is an ancient tradition practiced across many cultures and faiths. Catholic traditions often incorporate regional and cultural influences that add meaning and beauty to this devotion.

In Mexico and other Latin American countries, votive candles are often decorated with images of saints or symbols meaningful to local communities. Lighting a candle adorned with Our Lady of Guadalupe connects devotees to Mexico’s patron saint. In Ireland, green candles may be lit in honor of St. Patrick. In the Philippines, tall candle formations called parols lit at Christmastime have origins in Mexican luminarias but with a distinctive local style.

Different colors of candles also hold meaning in Catholic tradition. Red, white, or gold candles are lit for saints while blue or purple candles symbolize Mary. Black candles are lit for prayer intentions regarding death or grieving. In some places, the number of candles lit also has significance relating to numerology or particular prayers.

While lighting votive candles unites Catholics everywhere, regional customs make the practice unique and relevant to local communities around the world.

Conclusion

Votive candles hold great spiritual significance in the Catholic faith. Lighting a candle is a meaningful act of prayer and devotion. The flickering flame represents prayers rising up to heaven, and serves as a symbol of remembrance, healing, and an offering to God or the saints. Catholics light votive candles to petition the saints, pray for loved ones, seek guidance, give thanks, or request healing. The tradition connects Catholics to the prayers of the faithful throughout centuries of Christian history. Although styles and customs vary between cultures, regions, and churches, the votive candle remains a ubiquitous part of Catholic worship across the world. Ultimately, the candle’s glowing light reflects the hope and faith of those who kindle its flame.