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Catholics 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. Jesus said that he was the Light of the world and told his followers that you are the Light of the world. Jesus came to shine a Light in a dark and sin filled world. His Light was Truth exposing the sin that hid in the darkness. Jesus instructed his followers to shine their Light and show the world the Truth in them also so that others would know they belonged to God as an example to those others.
There are a number of reasons as to why candles are used. the Most simple explanation is that they symbolise the light of Christ, a guiding in a dark world. The tradition of using candles in masses dates back to the apostles.
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Catholic AnswerIn the United States these are referred to as Vigil candles, they are lighted before a statue or at a shrine as an act of devotion when one says a prayer at that location. The candle represents one's prayer being constantly before the Lord, and is a mark of respect, as well. Candles are a sacramental (like a sacrament) and are used in the Church's liturgy, they were first used to dispel the darkness, but are now required to be lite during the sacraments. They are an emblem of God, the giver of life and enlightenment. Being pure, they represent Christ's spotless body, the flame a figure of the Divine Nature.Candles have a lot of symbolism in Catholicism. Candles represent Jesus, who is the light of the world. Jesus brings light into the dark world. Candles can also represent the presence of God. Candles represent the prayers being made. As candles are kept on, the prayer lives on. It can remind people of their prayer.
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AnswerIt's just Catholic, not Roman Catholic. Roman is an epithet first commonly used in England after the protestant revolt to describe the Catholic Church. It is never used by the official Catholic Church.Candles are emblematic of God and of Our Blessed Lord. Christians have been praying with candles for 2,000 years, it is a venerable tradition, and harkens both to the early days of the Church and to the public liturgy of the Church.
from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980
Candle. A sacramental used in the Church's liturgy. Candles were first used to dispel darkness in predawn services and in the catacombs. They have since become part of the liturgy and their symbolism part of the church's tradition. Candles are an emblem of God, the giver of life and enlightenment. Being pure, they represent Christ's spotless body, the flame a figure of the Divine Nature. Candles are blessed solemnly on the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin or Candlemas Day (February 2). Candles are required at the public administration of the sacraments, at Mass and Benediction, at funerals and at other church ceremonies.
Candles symbolize that Christ is the light of the world and they remind us of the souls that have passed away.
The lighting of a candle represents a prayer for someone. After lighting it, it is proper to put a small amount of money (about a dollar) and kneel down to offer an intention.
There are probably several historical reasons, but the primary one is the symbolism of "Christ, The Light of the World".
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Do monks light candles for the dead?
Most Catholics light candles when praying for the dead, including monks if they have them available in their monastery.
Do Christian's light candles during church?
Some (such as Roman Catholics do), some light them during special seasons such as Advent, and in some candles are it as the service starts.
What holidays do you light candles?
Hanukkah is one holiday in which you would light candles.
What do jews light at Hanukkah?
They light candles.
What do you light candles with?
a match
What did they do before light bulbs?
They had candles to light rooms.
Why are there 15 candles on the menorah?
There are only eight candles on the menorah; plus a ninth which is used to light the other candles.
What makes white candles burn faster than colored candles?
White candles reflect the light in the experiment.
Why are candles lit?
Typically, candles are lit for light or for religious or spiritual purposes.
Are candles used to keep churches warm?
Candles are used to make light.
Do people light the candles on the cake?
Unless you have a dog that is trained to light candles, I would recommend that people do it.
How many votive candles does it take to romantically light a bed area?
about 4 candles can light up a bed area
