Lighting a candle in a catholic church?

Question

I am not religious but I have heard about going to a church and lighting a candle for someone. I have a friend who is going through some real tough emotional issues right now and I have a very strong pull to light a candle for this person. But I'm not sure why because I know nothing about it. What does it stand for? How do I do it? Is this available in all catholic churches? Thanks.

Answer 1

The flame is a symbol of Jesus Christ. The candle reminds all the faithful to pray for the intentions of those in need or thanksgiving within the Christian community.

Sometimes the intentions are stately publicly at Mass, and sometimes people simply request the community prayers with this symbol in silence.

Candles are available in most all Catholic Churches. I suggest you give a small donation to the poor box, or something to cover the cost of the candles. There is no profit made from these requests and most money goes directly to the poor.

I hope it helps. Your intentions will be in my prayers.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

I believe that you could light a candle and pray for someone anywhere.

The Catholic "thing" of lighting a candle is just a format, Like adding someone to a prayer list which is the practice used by Christians.

Answer 4

I believe it has origins in magick -- I light candles for people all the time as a way of prayer. The smoke from the flame carries you prayer to Heaven (the Higher Power), and when the candle burns all the way down you bury it. You could also inscribe small pictures or words on the candle to represent what you are lighting it for, or annoint it with oils to increase the power of your intentions.

Here is a site about candle magick:

http://www.wicca.com/celtic/bri/cndlmgk.htm

For more info try googling 'candle magick'

Blessings and Light to you and your friend!

~RW

Answer 5

Yes it is available in every Catholic Church I have ever attended. It is a symbol of prayer. You are praying and others who enter the church may pray for your unknown request as well. I pray for all those requests the candles represent when I am in the Church.
Peace Be With You,
Debra

Answer 6

Lighting candles in catholic church is a symbolic of hope. Yes it in all catholic churches ok

Answer 7

You can light a candle at home. I like to think the flame helps carry the prayer. Every time you walk past that candle you will think of that person and prayer, lending power to it.


Blessings )O(