Waxing poetic on candles

The director of the diocesan Office of Prayer and Worship enjoys lighting a candle during prayerful moments, whether she's by herself or leading her staff in prayer.

"I think that candles are very much a part of our rich, tangible and tactile faith tradition," she said. "It's very much a part of many people's spirituality."

A burning candle has many qualities that help to focus a person's attention, Ms. Lavender noted, adding: "We see the flame of the candle. We feel the heat of the burning candle. We smell the scent of the wax."

Perhaps the most essential trait is the flame itself, which represents Christ. "The flame is alive, moving, dynamic," she explained. "It's such a rich symbol of Christ."

Even the scent from a previously burning candle is soothing, Ms. Lavender said, pointing out that the olfactory sense is strongest at triggering memories.

Ms. Lavender thinks that the move by Holy Infancy Church in Lake Luzerne to have the sanctuary light serve as the one votive candle in the parish (see related article) is effective at demonstrating Christ's importance in prayer and in the Eucharist.

"It's a good and tangible way to remind us that this is the Real Presence," she said.

Although there are minor safety concerns surrounding votive candles, Ms. Lavender believes they are safe as long as the right size candles are in the right size containers.

One of her concerns is the use of electric votive lights; although there is no formal diocesan policy regarding them, the Diocese supports the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' view that electric votive candles shouldn't be in churches.

In 1997, the Secretariat of the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy noted: "Because of their very nature, imitations of candles should not be used in the liturgy as, for example, 'permanent' paschal candles, nor should electric bulbs be used in liturgical celebration. In the interests of authenticity and symbolism, it is likewise unfitting that so-called electric vigil lights be used for devotional purposes."

Lighting a votive candle is considered appropriate for use in church as a sign of both Christ's presence and the life of a parish.

"It supplies us with a way of showing devotion and a way of prolonging prayer," Ms. Lavender said. "It means that we're alive, and we're using our church and praying here." (PQ)

(09-10-98) [[In-content Ad]]