Dear Friends,
“I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
I love it when someone inquires if something we do is a “Catholic” thing. Recently you may have noticed that a rack of votive candles has been placed near the entrance of the Nave. This request by a parishioner stems from lighting candles during past Celtic services that we have had at Manakin. He yearned for this meaningful act to be enjoyed by others on a regular basis. I want to thank Diane Mahoney for the use of her table and assistance in setting this up for our benefit.
The history of the use of candles in worship and personal prayers dates back to ancient time and has been used in other cultures as well. In the early Christian church, they were used to light dark churches as a symbol of God’s presence representing light over darkness.
I have burned candles in my personal prayers for a long time. When a loved one is having a medical procedure, I light a candle along with my prayers invoking God’s blessing on those involved. I believe that it not only brings comfort to me, but to the individuals as well.
Lighting a candle for yourself or others is a way to focus our prayers. It is a gesture that signifies hope and calls upon the presence of Jesus, the light of the world. When praying for a specific petition or intercession, individuals often like to light a candle as a defined act.
Ginger, Liz, Chris, Stephany and Tricia recently melted the retired Paschal Candle used during Easter, Baptism and Burial services and made candles for individual use. These candles will soon be available for you as a gift from Manakin to take and use during your personal prayer and reflection time.
Yes, it is a Catholic thing, but it is also a practice with Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodist and many other denominations. A good thing does not have to remain within one religious belief.
Light and candle. Say a Prayer. Go in Peace.
Blessings,
Gini+