Hey there,
Candles are more popular than ever. In fact, it’s a $3+ billion industry in the US … and growing.
When I was young, candles in my home were mostly decorative. With the addition of so many new scents, shapes, and colors, candles have become more functional in recent years. And in demand.
The use of candles in Catholicism goes way back, initially as a necessity to provide light. But they’ve persisted even today with much symbolism.
This week’s issue of Genuflect sheds light on our use of candles in Catholicism, why we have candles in church, all the many uses for candles, the benefits of praying with a candle, what to do with blessed candles, and an added bonus on Candlemas, which we celebrate today!
Whether you’re already integrating candles with your prayer life, or are ready to get started, hopefully you’ll learn something new about how to light up your prayers with candles. I sure did!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
Why we Have Candles in Church
Father Brice Higginbotham explains why we use candles in church … even in daylight or with electricity. This 5 minute video is done and well worth your time.
Why Candles? | Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
The Different Uses of Candles
There are a lot of candles used in Catholicism, whether during Mass, during special seasons, or during prayer. Here’s an overview of many of the different uses of candles and their meanings.
Why do Catholics Use so Many Candles? | The Catholic Company
Benefits of Praying With Candles
Prayer is indeed powerful, but adding a flickering candle to our prayer enhances it even more. Here are 5 benefits of using candles during prayer.
5 Benefits of Using Candles During Meditation And Prayer | Aleteia
The Power of The Votive Candle
To non-Catholics the votive candles burning in the church 24/7/365 may seem odd … or at least unsafe. But understanding the meaning behind the candles and the added prayers they bring is key. When was the last time you lit a prayer candle in church?
Lighting a Candle as a Form of Prayer | Aleteia
What to do With Blessed Candles
Maybe you’ve brought home a blessed candle from Mass before, but you don’t know what to do with it. Or your blessed candle has been used so much it needs to be disposed of properly. This article provides all the guidance you need on what to do with your blessed candles.
Here’s What to do With Blessed Candles | Aleteia
The Meaning of The Paschal Candle
The big beautiful Paschal candle that adorns your church has several symbols on it that carry great meaning. Here’s an infographic that explains what all those symbols mean.
The Meaning of The Hidden Symbols of The Paschal Candle, in One Infographic | ChurchPOP
Blessing Throats With Candles
Every year on February 3rd, the memorial of Saint Blaise, many Catholic churches practice the tradition of the blessing of the throats with two tapered candles. Here’s the story of how this tradition came about and what it’s for … besides throats.
The Real Story Behind The Church’s Tradition of Blessing Throats | Aleteia
Candlemas
Today is The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. We covered this feast day in depth last year so here’s a look back at the history of how it evolved, what it entails, and why it’s also called Candlemas.
Reignite Your Light With The Presentation of The Lord | Genuflect
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