Why do Catholics light candles?

5 min

Awaiting theological review

The simple answer

Catholics light candles in church, at home and at the graves of people they love. A small candle in front of a statue or an image is a silent prayer: it keeps burning after you have gone, as if your prayer stayed there. Candles also speak of Jesus, whom Christians call the light of the world. That is why they burn on the altar at every Mass, why a large Easter candle is lit on the night of the Resurrection, and why a small candle is given at every baptism.

In the Bible

Scripture

Jesus says he is the light of the world, and that whoever follows him will not walk in darkness.

John 8:12

Scripture

The Gospel of John begins with the light that shines in the darkness, which the darkness has not overcome.

John 1:4–9

Scripture

Jesus also tells his disciples that they are the light of the world, and that their light should shine so that others see their good works and glorify the Father.

Matthew 5:14–16

Scripture

In the tabernacle of the desert, a lamp was to burn before the Lord continually.

Exodus 27:20–21

Scripture

When the child Jesus is presented in the Temple, Simeon calls him a light for the nations. The feast of the Presentation, on 2 February, is also called Candlemas, because candles are blessed that day.

Luke 2:22–32

Scripture

Simon the magician tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit with money, and Peter rebukes him: God's gifts cannot be bought.

Acts of the Apostles 8:18–20

Where it comes from

Historical context

Early Christians kept lamps burning at the tombs of the martyrs, and lit lamps at evening prayer, giving thanks for Christ the light at nightfall.

Early Christian source

Around 406, Saint Jerome defended the custom of lighting candles at the martyrs' tombs against a critic who called it pagan.

Jerome, Against Vigilantius (c. 406; locator awaiting verification)(awaiting verification)

Historical context

The Easter Vigil, with the lighting of the Easter candle and the great hymn of praise sung beside it, the Exsultet, is one of the oldest parts of the liturgy. Its exact origin is debated.

Historical context

Lighting votive candles in front of images of Mary and the saints spread in the Middle Ages and is still one of the most common Catholic gestures.

What the Church teaches

Church teaching

At baptism, a candle lit from the Easter candle is given to the newly baptised: Christ has enlightened them, and they are to walk as children of the light.

Ephesians 5:8 Catechism 1243 (number awaiting verification)(awaiting verification)

Church teaching

A lamp burns at all times before the tabernacle where the Eucharist is kept, as a sign of honour to Christ present.

Code of Canon Law, can. 940(awaiting verification)

Catechism

Blessed candles are among the sacramentals: signs that help people pray and sanctify everyday life.

CCC 1668

Catechism

Forms of popular piety such as votive candles are good when they lead people to Christ.

CCC 1674

A common misunderstanding

The candle makes the prayer work, and the coin you leave pays for it.

In fact

A candle is a sign, not a mechanism: God hears the prayer, with or without it. The coin is an offering to the church that helps pay for the candles, never a price for grace.

Why it matters today

When you do not know what to say, lighting a candle is already a prayer. Many people light one for someone who is ill, for a person who has died, or before a hard day, and stay a moment in silence in front of it.

Bible passages

John 8:12 · John 1:4–9 · Matthew 5:14–16 · Exodus 27:20–21 · Luke 2:22–32 · Acts of the Apostles 8:18–20 · Ephesians 5:8

Catechism

CCC 1668; 1674 ↗