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EnglishNovena candle
A novena candle accompanies prayer over nine days and can help keep a particular intention present within a prayer space. This collection includes candles dedicated to Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Catholic saints and different devotions. For other formats used during prayer, our religious candles include a wider range of devotional designs and burning times.
How is a novena candle used during prayer?
A novena candle can accompany daily prayer throughout the nine days of a novena. It provides a visible focus within a prayer space and can help keep the intention entrusted to God, the Virgin Mary or a saint's intercession present.
The candle is not the novena itself: a novena is first and foremost a nine-day practice of prayer. Our guide on how to pray a novena explains its structure and different forms.
Do you need a candle to pray a novena?
A candle is not required in order to pray a novena. The prayer can be made without any religious object. A candle is a devotional aid: its flame can mark the time set aside for prayer and provide a visible reminder of the intention carried throughout the nine days.
Its meaning therefore comes from the prayer that accompanies it rather than from the object itself. It may be placed beside a Bible, Rosary, religious image or statue.
White or illustrated novena candles
A white novena candle can accompany an intention without being associated with a particular saint or image. Illustrated candles instead keep a representation of Jesus, Mary or a particular saint present during prayer.
Our article on white novena candles and their use explores this simple form of prayer candle in greater detail.
Which novena should you choose for a prayer intention?
The choice depends mainly on the intention and personal devotion. Some Catholics turn to the Virgin Mary, while others choose Saint Joseph, Saint Rita, Saint Michael, Saint Anthony or a devotion centred directly on Christ.
Our guide on choosing a novena for a particular prayer intention presents several possibilities.
Safety when using a nine-day candle
A long-burning novena candle should stand upright on a stable, heat-resistant surface and remain away from flammable materials, draughts, children and pets. A burning candle should never be left unattended, regardless of its intended burning time.