What Are Votive Candles for in a Catholic Church?

Many Catholic churches have an area or a small separate altar that contains a statue of either Jesus or the Virgin Mary, with small, often white candles in front. Those are votive candles. Votive candles have not been blessed by a priest.

Votive candles play an important role in Catholic churches.

Symbolism

A candle is lit when someone says a prayer. They're meant to symbolize the person's prayers to God.

"Light a Candle"

The expression "light a candle" for someone is referring to votive candles. It means that one person will say a prayer for another.

In Thanks

Many Catholics will light a candle to show thanks to God and to praise him for his many blessings.

Collection

Often there is a small collection box near the votive candles. When someone lights a candle and says a prayer, he or she might also make a small financial contribution.

Light of the World

In John 8:12, Jesus tells us, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." The candles are meant to show that light and draw Catholics closer to God.

References

• Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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Resources

• New American Bible
• Absolute Astronomy