Why do Catholics light so many candles?

Every Catholic church in the world is filled with candles. They light up the altar, populate areas surrounding statues of the saints, and a particularly tall candle always stands prominently near the baptismal font. So what is the deal with Catholics and candles; why do we utilize them so often? The answer ultimately comes down to the fact that they represent Christ who is “the light of the world.” Candles do not simply illuminate a building, they act as sacred signs, lighting the way of the Church as she continues her journey towards heaven.

Candles are often used during the entrance and recessional processions of the Mass; they also escort the Book of the Gospels to where it is read. Their presence during holy processions symbolize the joy we find in Christ as our King as well as represent how his Word enlightens the Church.

The candles placed at the altar are a sign of respect for the Lord and his beloved Church. The amount of candles at the altar mark specific occasions: at least two are lit for any Mass, four or six for Sundays and solemnities, and seven when a diocesan bishop celebrates.

The Paschal candle, also called the Easter or Baptismal candle, is easily identified as the tallest candle in any given church. It specifically represents Jesus as the risen Christ, bringing new life into the world. It is blessed and lit annually on the Easter Vigil and again lit during baptisms as the baptized soul is brought to new life through Christ’s death and resurrection.

The Paschal candle features several distinct symbols, each representing an important aspect of Christ and his Church:

The Flame: Represents the divine nature and eternal presence of the risen Christ.

The Beeswax: Pure wax signifies the sinless body of Christ formed by His mother.

Cross, Alpha & Omega: Signifies that Christ is the beginning and the end, and the ruler of all time.

The Year: Marks the present time as holy and under God's grace.

Five Grains of Incense: Embedded in a cross shape to recall Christ's five sacred wounds and the spices used at His burial.

This special candle is placed next to the tabernacle and is constantly lit as long as the Blessed Sacrament is present. It is typically red to distinguish it from the many other candles that light up the church. Its significance stems from the Old Testament when God commanded the Israelites to burn pure oil outside the tent of the Ark of the Covenant–the most sacred place in which God resided with them. Today, we keep the candle lit 24/7 to honor God’s true presence in the consecrated hosts.

When a Catholic lights a candle before a statue or shrine, the candle may accompany a prayer of petition, thanksgiving, repentance, or remembrance. The burning candle can represent the person’s prayer continuing before God, even after the person has left the church. It can also symbolize the offering of one’s own life to God: the candle is gradually consumed as it gives light.

These are just a few examples of the many roles of candles in Catholic tradition. They manifest Christ’s enduring light and act as a small way in which we can honor him on earth. Catholics burn them as expressions of reverence, hope, prayer, thanksgiving, and self-offering to God. As Jesus himself instructs, put your lamp on the lampstand and “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:15-16).