Why do Catholics burn religious candles?(the ones from the grocery store).?

Question

How do I tell or explain to my mother she wasting her time buying candles??

Answer 1

There's an old legend that you light candles to help a soul find heaven. I do it. Let your mother burn the candles.

This from a Catholic website:

Thanks for the question. We 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.

Answer 2

So you've NEVER bought a candle?

We use the candles in prayer- just like during Mass- and even NON Catholics use candles in Church!

The home is the domestic Church, and it is entirely appropriate to light candles when praying in the home, or even keeping the vigil candle you are speaking of lit as a symbol of a prayerful presence in the home.

Answer 3

Are they interior the ethnic meals section? those candles are an previous Mexican custom. Catholics are primary for lighting fixtures "votive candles" till now statues and photos of saints to signify the continuance of their prayers. it somewhat is a convenience to have a shrine and candle multi functional to maintain at abode.

Answer 4

1/2 of my family is catholic.. i'm not.. but they usually burn them "for someone" kind of like a reminder to pray for a person.. sending up a constant prayer.. it doesn't just have to be the "religious candles" it can be any candle. and i can say i've burned a candle in memory of or in prayer for someone. i think its beautiful symbolism.. maybe you just haven't thought of it from that aspect yet?

and feel free to explain to your mother that you think it is silly, if you really feel the need... but honestly, i think its best to just accept and respect her beliefs.. even if different from yours. im sure you wouldn't want her to knock your beliefs.

it seems you do have some respect, because you are asking for a way to explain it.. so you obviously want to approach it in a friendly way, so if you really feel the need to tell her your feelings about her beliefs.. just be gentle. say, "mom, i understand this is important to you, but i don't understand why" let her explain, and if you still think it's silly just say "i know its important to you, and now i understand why, but i really feel like its more a waste of money than any help" let her say what she needs to and end with "i don't want to argue about it, and i will respect if you choose to continue this, but, i just wanted you to know my feelings on it." be polite, respectful, and not condemning. you'll get the response that way.

i hope this helps you.

Answer 5

If it makes your mother happy to burn these candles why would you want to spoil that for her?

Leave her to her beliefs!

Answer 6

Candles.come from Hebrew Jude.practises that the christian follow.

most of modern religion original from one god concept .

candles also are part of birthday tradition.! what you recon"t is that silly?

Answer 7

For the light?

Get A Grip.

Answer 8

It's a form of prayer. She is NOT wasting her time.

Answer 9

Oh well, geez louise! I didn't know I was supposed to do that!

Darn..

Answer 10

legalism and superstition...there are alot of pagan beliefs deeply mixed in catholic actions

Justsyd

great reference....superstition