8/5/2023 0 Comments Light a candle in remembranceThere is the Paschal or Easter candle which remains lit each year from Easter to Ascension. Lighting a candle can also be a way of strengthening one’s prayer intention and expressing one’s support for the person for whom one is praying.Ĭandles have long been part of Catholic churches and liturgical services. Catholics light candles to pray for their deceased loves ones and the sick, for the health and welfare of family and friends, and the intentions and needs of all in the world, particularly the poor and most abandoned. Lighting a votive candle can therefore include one or more of these intentions. The term “votive” comes from the Latin word votum, which means a vow, pledge or religious undertaking or promise. These are usually displayed in front of a statue, icon, or other sacred image, and very often before a statute or image of Our Blessed Mother. Please let me know if you decide to use the candle lighting ceremony, or if you have other things that have helped you this holiday season.N entering most Catholic churches you’ll see racks of votive candles. I hope you find some peace in the few things I’ve included in this post for me, being able to express my emotions and have a connection with my Dad around this time of the year has mad e me feel a little more sane and in control. And for us survivors of suicide, we are missing a huge part of our life, and it makes the holidays seem less important-less special. Holidays are so tough-it’s when we should be surrounded by the people we love. You filled my life with wonder, touched me with surpriseĪlways saw that something special deep within your eyes I keep moving on, you know it’s not the sameĭo you hear me sing the songs we used to sing? The seasons come and go, and I’m weary from the change The flame will burn bright and guide us on our way To shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew We love you.Īfter the candle lighting, we took turns reading verses from this poem by Paul Alexander: May the glow of the flame be our source of hopefulness now and forever. It reminds us of the love and the memories of you that are ours forever. We thank you for the gift your living brought to each of us. As we enter this holiday season, day by day we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you. This candle is in your memory – the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things you did, and the caring and joy you gave to us. This candle represents our courage – to confront our sorrow, to comfort each other, and to change our lives. It reminds us of the depth of our love for you. As we light these five candles in memory of and in honor of you, we light one for our grief, one for our courage, one for our memories, one for our love, and one for our hope. After everyone reads a verse, take a moment of silence to pray or talk with your loved one. Everyone gets a candle to light, and then taking turns, read the verses below, which are copyright by Sherry L. You can do this by yourself, or how I have done it-with a group (friends or family of your loved one who has passed). It felt so good to get it out and feel a real connection to my Dad. This was the first time that I was overcome by emotion and cried. We recently performed it at LOSS two weeks ago in a group setting. A memorial candle lighting ceremony with spoken verses has been especially comforting during difficult times, like the holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. I wanted to share a memorial tool that I’ve used several times during group grief counseling (Becky, Jessica and I have done this together as well).
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