Candlelight Blessing in Ceremony?

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Candlelight Blessing in Ceremony?

posted 11 months ago in Catholic
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hiltoa August 27, 2011

Has anyone included a candlelight blessing into their wedding ceremony in addition to the unity candle, or in place of it? I haven't discussed with our priest yet, but I have heard that using the unity candle is now discouraged, and that oftentimes a candlelight blessing is performed. This celebrates Christ, who is symbolized by the flame. To do so each guest would light a candle in God's name and ask for a blessing for the couple. I think it sounds like an interesting way to include the whole congregation. Plus I find that it seems a bit awkward that the couple tends to just stand at the alter holding hands for a long time waiting for the song to finish because the unity candle lighting doesn't tend to take very long.

Has anyone done the candlelight blessing? I'm just curious how it was incorporated, or moreso the logistics of it all?

Thanks!

11 months ago

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363 posts

Helper bee

Garnety June 2, 2012 NY

I have never heard of a candlelight blessing during a wedding as you described.

For midnight mass, the entire Church lights and holds candles in prayer. It takes quite a bit of time to get everyone's lit, so keep this in mind. And be sure your priest is agreeable to it, since this is not part of the traditional Rite.

The couple stands before the Altar while the song is extended since the couple is given time to pray/reflect on the meaning of each part of the ceremony (i.e. reflect on the unity candle's meaning)

11 months ago