Candles in Lourdes
At Lourdes, millions of candles have been burning continuously since 1858. During the 4th apparition of the Virgin Mary on February 19, 1858, Bernadette prayed the rosary with a lighted candle in her hand. Before Bernadette left, the Virgin Mary asked her to let the candle burn at the Grotto. Pilgrims, touched by the grace of Bernadette's mystical experience, adopted the gesture of offering candles as a prayer. The grotto at Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette, became the focal point of this devotion.
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Every candle lit in Lourdes is one of the links in the continuous chain of prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes initiated by Bernadette. For the Virgin Mary, each pilgrim's candle is unique: it is the sign of a special prayer intention, a request, a thank you, or an offering.
​The symbolism behind the act of burning a candle is rich in meaning. Each flame becomes a tangible manifestation of the faith and hope of believers. The Chapel of Candles are sacred places in Lourdes and are often characterised by an atmosphere of recollection and prayer, with rows of candles arranged in an orderly fashion, creating an impressive visual picture of the collective devotion of pilgrims.
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Each candle lit at Lourdes tells a unique story of faith, hope and devotion. Some pilgrims choose candles of specific sizes according to their intentions, while others prefer candles decorated with religious symbols. Some candles bear handwritten inscriptions, adding a personal dimension to the prayers they represent.
Photo Credit: Mac Diarmada
Credit: Shutterstock
The history of the candles burnt at Lourdes thus reflects the continuity of faith and devotion that has endured since the first Marian manifestations. These flickering flames carry with them the hopes, sorrows and prayers of those who light them, creating a spiritual link between generations of pilgrims who have found comfort and inspiration in this place of divine grace.
​During the closing ceremony of our Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, a large candle is blessed and lit, carrying in its flame the prayers of all our pilgrims.
The large candle is brought in procession to the Chapel of Candles and remains burning there as we return to our daily lives renewed by the grace of our pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Photo Credit: Mac Diarmada
Photo Credit: Mac Diarmada
Photo Credit: Mac Diarmada
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Prayer on Lighting a Candle
Lord, may this candle be a light for you to enlighten me in my difficulties and decisions.
May it be a flame for you to bring warmth into my heart, towards my family, my neighbours and all those who meet me.
Through the prayers of Mary, virgin and mother I place in your care those I come to pray for, especially……………………………………
I cannot stay long in this holy place and in leaving this candle I wish to give to you something of myself.
Help me to continue my prayer into everything I do during these days of pilgrimage.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Photo Credit: Lourdes Sanctuaire