Candles
Candles in Our Church.
The Paschal Candle
The Paschal Candle, the most important candle in the church, is situated prominently at the front of the church from Easter to Pentecost and then for the remainder of the year at the side of the Baptismal Font.
This candle is easy to identify as it is usually the tallest and fattest of all the candles and richly decorated. It is named after the PASCH, the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. This candle is blessed and first lit at the Easter Vigil ceremonies on the Saturday before Easter (Holy Saturday).
For more information about the Easter Vigil ceremonies follow this link
Altar Candles
St Mary the Virgin, Higham Ferrers has six altars, ranging in importance;
Side Altars - The Holy Name Altar - 2 candles
The Holy Cross Altar - 2 candles
The Chantry Chapel Altar - 2 candles
The Nave Altar - 4 candles
The Lady Chapel Altar - 4 large and 2 small candles
The High Altar - 6 large and 2 small candles
The number of candles used to decorate the altars indicate the importance of the altar.
The symbolism of the candles is that the altar represents the throne of God, from which the light of Christ shines upon his gathered people.
Statue and Shrine Candles
Important statues have two candles before them and these would be lit on Feast and Holy Days. The two large candles before the Statue of Our Lady are lit during Sunday masses and all Feast and Holy Days.
Acolyte Candles
These candles, usually two, are carried by the servers during sung masses and other special occasions.
When in a procession with the Cross the acolyte candles will flank the Crucifix, this being an effective way to honour the Cross. The symbolism of using candles at a sung mass identifies the priest as he represents the person of Christ, also their use adds both dignity and colour to the Church's worship.
Baptism Candles
All newly baptised people receive a lighted candle during their baptism. These candles are lit from the paschal candle. This symbolism shows clearly that through the Rite of Baptism, all baptised people share in the life of the Risen Lord, represented by the Paschal candle.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are available for all worshipers to use as an aid to prayers. The votive candle stand is situated by the side of the Statue of Our Lady.
Lighting a candle in prayer is a powerful symbol, full of meanings:
Lighting a candle reminds us of our Baptism and the way we share in the life of Christ by sharing in the life of the church.
A candle left burning reminds us that our souls never leave the presence of God, acompnied by His Saints
An important element of pray is to intercede and pray for other people and causes and lighting a candle can focus your prayers through meditation.
A small offering of a lighted candle when asking the prayers of Saints also shows the greater glory of God.
A candle is not a substitute for a prayer of your heart but an accompaniment.
