We at St. Gertrude the Great are busily preparing for theFeast of Candlemas on February 2. Solemn Mass will be sung, preceded by the traditional Blessing of Candlesand Procession in honor of Our Lord's Presentation in the temple and Our Lady's Purification.
Those who assist at these edifying rites receive a blessed candle of waxto take home and cherish, but it may be that some of you never had the occasion to procure this precious and powerful sacramental for your home.
The Church uses candles, of course, for many of her rites, but did you know that blessed candles have a place in the Catholic home as well? They bring a blessing wherever they are brought, "whether on sea or on land," as we pray at the Candlemas blessing.There should be a pair of these candles in every home, to be burned should the priest come with Communion for the sick, and at the bedside of the dying to banish demons and bring grace.
Finally, these candles are burned in times of storms and solemn family prayer. They symbolize the protection of our blessed Lady over our homes.
We are making sets of two 10-inch blessed candles available for a suggested donation of $14. This will cover the cost of the candles, domestic U.S. postage and a little extra that will help us carry out our many apostolic activities.
