“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
(Romans 15:13)
How many of us say regularly, ‘I will light a candle for them’?During lockdown, how many people had a candle lighting in their homes for all the frontline workers and for all who had died from Covid-19? Candles have a special place on our faith journey.
The act of lighting a candle is a quiet but enduring tradition. Candles appear at memorials after a tragedy when we gather to pray for those who have died. Candles are lit at Mass, during many of the sacraments and at the Easter Vigil each year.
Lighting a candle can symbolise the remembering of a loved one or a prayer of petition or of thanks to God. Candles can help people express their faith. Especially during lockdown, when churches were closed, people used a lit candle in their homes to symbolise their prayer for all who suffered.
If you are unable to light a candle in your home for any reason, you still have options. You can join with others in prayer by lighting a virtual candle. Your digital candle is a symbol of your intentions and thoughts. It represents bright light and warmth in dark times, even if it is behind a screen. You can use a phone app or certain websites, such that of Knock Shrine.
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in December. It was created by the Compassionate Friends organisation in 1997 as a way for families and friends to honour the memories of children who left this world too soon. What was once a small internet tribute has grown into a worldwide wave of light as candles are lit in every time zone.
We invite you to light more candles, make more wishes and share the light!*
“I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.”’ (Psalm 118:21)
Browse our selection of candles here: https://www.veritasbooksonline.com/store/search.asp?keyword=candles
*Never leave a burning candle unattended.