Last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of the Purification of Our Lady as an external solemnity having already observed the feast on the proper feast day on the 2nd February.
Besides commemorating the presentation of Christ in the Temple, this feast has another meaning, for it is called Candlemas Day. The candle is one of the most widely used sacramentals in the Church; one blessed in a special Mass.
We use candles at Baptism, at Mass and other church services, at the ordination of a priest, the consecration of a bishop, at Easter, at Christmas to signify the coming of Christ. Blessed candles should be in every home, to use in times of sickness, death, storms and calamities!
In the blessing of candles the Church reminds us that the candles signify light; they are blessed for the service of men, for health of body and soul, for those who desire to carry them in their hands with honour. Christ, the true Light and Fire of Charity, is asked to bless these candles; to dispel the darkness of night, to free us from the blindness of vice and to discern what is pleasing to Him and profitable for our salvation.
