Candlemas

On February 2nd , the church celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord forty days after Christmas. Candlemas, the feast of light and hope, celebrated the same day, is an ancient feast dating back to the early 4th century.  

The name Candlemas hints at the “light revealed to the nations” that we celebrate at Easter, the ultimate feast of Light.  We bless candles on this day as a reminder of the Paschal Candle and of Jesus as a light to our path on our Lenten journey.

Get Blessed Candles for your Home

Blessed candles are available for you to take home at our Connection Center at the back of church after Masses this weekend.  If you cannot get to Mass to get a blessed candle, contact our parish outreach team at (920) 231-9782 or [email protected]

Don't hide them away in a closet or junk drawer.  

Sacramentals (i.e. objects of faith—statues, medals, pictures of saints, crucifixes, etc.) which help draw us to Christ in small ways are important reminders of how God is with us - not only on Sundays - but in all aspects of our lives, especially in our homes.   

The constant flame burning from blessed candles also reminds us, that holiness in ourselves and our families is absolutely possible if we leave our desire with God. 

How should I use blessed candles?

1.  Leave the blessed candle in a prominent place in your home or on a prayer table.

This reminds you of Jesus, light of the world, and invites you to prayer. Then when you devote time for personal or communal prayer in your home, you can light the candle to help you focus.

2.  Bring them out during severe weather.

Traditionally Catholics would always light the blessed candle during a strong storm, invoking the power of God to protect their home. And as is so often the case, Catholic spiritual traditions have a practical element: the candle will be useful if the power goes out.

3.  Light them in times of tragedy, crisis, or sickness.

The candles are a symbol of how we are to keep the light of Christ burning brightly as it casts away the darkness and suffering of evil.  In times of suffering or trial, they can serve as helpful reminder of God’s presence amongst us.  

4.  Use against evil spirits.

On account of their association with the “Light of the World,” blessed candles are a powerful sacramental to use against evil spirits prowling about. The devil lives in darkness, and so the light of the blessed candle invokes the power of God to keep the devil’s influence at bay.
 

If you are looking for something to enhance your spiritual life, consider using blessed candles to enlighten your soul, bringing it out of darkness.