Local stories, events, and Catholic inspiration in northeast Wisconsin

Allow Jesus to shine through the darkest times

Readings for Feb. 1-2, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

By Lyn Zahorik | For On Mission

The Feast of the Presentation, also known as the Feast of the Purification or Candlemas, falls 40 days after Christmas. Until 1969, it was the official last day of the Christmas season. (Enjoyably, I still keep up my Christmas decorations through that feast.)

The option in some parishes to make available blessed candles for home use makes this a special day for many Catholics. My mother was one of them. Our parish priest always knew that Ida needed “her case” of blessed candles.

In our home stood a statue of the Blessed Mother. Every day Mom lit a votive candle in front of the statue. It was common for my siblings, the grandchildren and other people to call and say, “Please light a candle for me because …”

When Mom moved to a nursing home, the statue of Mary moved with her. 

I made sure she had a battery-operated votive candle for her room so that this tradition, which was so important to her, could be maintained. I remember, poignantly, after Mom took her last breath and her body was removed from the room, turning around to turn off the candle.

The taper candles were the “storm candles.” At the first crack of thunder, Mom was making the rounds, waking everyone up to gather around the kitchen table where the candle was already burning. 

Only after we had prayed the rosary, as the storm passed and the candle was extinguished, were we allowed to go back to bed. My prayer was that another storm was not following in the distance because I knew Mom would repeat her blessed candle/rosary ritual.

Candles symbolize Jesus to us as the “Light of the World,” providing guidance, hope and presence. 

The soft, flickering light of candles creates a sacred and reverent atmosphere in churches, which enhances the sense of worship and contemplation. The burning of blessed candles at home creates a sense of peace and protection in the home

Candles are integral to many Catholic rituals and sacraments. 

A most beautiful moment during the Easter Vigil is when, in the dark church, the lone flame from the Paschal candle is passed from person to person, candle to candle, until the church erupts in the light of Christ.

On the day of our baptism, we received a baptismal candle. Some families relight this baptismal candle on a person’s birthday or the anniversary of their baptism.

At a funeral Mass, we are accustomed to seeing the Paschal candle — a symbol of our baptism into the Christian community — burning near the deceased’s remains. 

Recently, I attended a wake service at a funeral home. Next to the casket burned the deceased’s baptismal candle. This tiny candle set by the large casket gave a beautiful commentary of the circle of life, lived in the light of Christ.

On this feast of Candlemas, consider bringing blessed candles into your home. 

Light the candles as you need to, assuring you that Jesus shines through even the darkest times, enlightening us and inviting each of us to spread his warmth and brightness to be a source of light for others.

Zahorik is director for spiritual engagement at St. Mary Parish, Omro, and St. Mary Parish, Winneconne.

The readings for Sunday, Feb. 2, can be found at Feast of the Presentation of the Lord | USCCB.

Scroll to Top