Roman Candles

In shrines throughout the Roman Catholic world, millions of silent, smoky candles burn out their brief lives. In sum they make a mighty flame of devotion. Singly, each is to some inarticulate worshipper a symbol of prayer, sacrifice, joy or sorrow. Compounded not of tears or smiles but of beeswax, tallow, paraffin, a candle is a concrete thing. It costs money. Traditional practice in Europe (and lately in some U. S. dioceses) is to set a box of candles by every shrine, let the faithful help themselves and leave a small offering in return. Last week this practice was banned in the diocese of Rome by its vicar general, Francesco Cardinal Marchetti-Selvaggiani. After July 1 there is to be no crass candle-traffic within the churches. Candles may be burnt as before but it will be less convenient to give a friend a coin and say "Burn a candle for me." Also, there is to be no more photographing of sacred functions, no exuberant decking of shrines with garish artificial flowers. Said Cardinal Marchetti-Selvaggiani: "The present use of candles can easily take on the appearance of superstition. One mass well heard, one communion well received, will obtain more heavenly grace than thousands of candles lighted every day."

Other Catholic dioceses are not compelled to follow Rome's lead. But they will doubtless take heed, look within their churches with an equally critical eye, for Rome's regulation comes from one who is the vicar of Rome's Bishop, who is Pope Pius XI, vicar of Jesus Christ.

The use of candles in church is older than the church itself. Liturgical candles are traditionally of beeswax, for bees were once supposed to be virgin. The great paschal candle typifies Christ's flesh, its wick His soul, its flame the all-absorbing Divinity. On Candlemas Day (Feast of the Purification, Feb. 2) there is a special ceremony for blessing candles. A burning candle is placed in the hand of a person at baptism, and as Death comes.

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