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A religious candle has long accompanied Christian prayer as a symbol of light, hope and presence before God. This collection includes novena candles, devotional candles, votive designs and Lourdes candles dedicated to Jesus, the Virgin Mary and the saints. Each candle can accompany a prayer intention, a period of reflection or a particular devotion.
Why light a religious candle during prayer?
Light has an important symbolic place within Christian tradition. A Christian candle lit during prayer can recall Christ as the “light of the world” and make a prayer intention visibly present.
The flame itself has no particular spiritual power. It accompanies the believer's prayer and can help create a space suited to silence and reflection. Our article on creating a prayer corner at home provides further ideas for using candles and devotional objects.
Novena, devotional and votive candles
Different religious candles suit different forms of prayer. A novena candle is designed to accompany prayer over several days. A three-day devotional candle provides a shorter format, while a votive candle can accompany a shorter prayer intention.
Our guide also explains how to pray a novena and structure its nine days of prayer.
Candles dedicated to Jesus, Mary and the saints
Many religious candles depict Jesus, the Virgin Mary or a saint. The image connects the candle with a particular devotion and helps keep a prayer intention present.
A Saint Michael candle may accompany prayer for courage during spiritual struggle, while a Saint Rita candle may be used when entrusting a difficult situation to her intercession. Categories dedicated to patron saints can also help deepen a particular devotion and lead to other religious items associated with the same saint.
Lourdes candles and the tradition of the shrine
A Lourdes candle is closely associated with the tradition of lighting a candle at the Marian shrine. Candles at Lourdes accompany personal prayers, intentions entrusted to the Virgin Mary and pilgrimage.
Our article on the meaning and tradition of Lourdes candles provides further context, while our article explaining why pilgrims light candles at Lourdes explores the origin of the practice.
Using religious candles safely
A burning candle should always be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from curtains, paper and other flammable materials. It should never be left unattended or within reach of children or pets.