"It's the flame of a single candle
which will illuminate the darkest of souls."
Anthony T. Hincks
Credit is given to the Catholic Church of my childhood for my attachment to candles. The very old parish was dotted with candles up and down the aisles; small vigil candles were shimmering from up front; and the altar candles were solemn and formal. I tend to replicate church candles with ornamental candle holders throughout my house; small votive lights or tea lights in my spiritual places; and altar candles on dining room tables or fireplace mantel.
In my home, candles do not take precedence just in the holiday season, but all year long. To have a candle lighted offers the sense of a presence. It takes away from the feeling of being alone. Burning candles for celebration has become a very constant action for birthdays, visits, deaths, new opportunities, hopes or dreams, special requests, and sacred offerings.
My most favorite, perhaps, is to fill a round glass bowl with water and float small flowers or petals from flowers on top of the water while adding floating candles. It makes a glorious center piece! While waiting for my new granddaughter to be born, I purchased a tall candle enclosed in glass. I ignited the wick when my lovely daughter began labor and we let it burn until the new baby appeared. The wick had burned completely to the bottom of the jar. Little Rosemary Clare is her own light now creating an angelic presence in our hearts.
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