Religious News

Why do Christians light candles?

A light in the night of humanityLighting a candle may seem trivial. A small fire in the silence of a church, a trembling flame in the half-light of an oratory, a night-light in front of a statue of Mary or Jesus. And yet this gesture carries immense spiritual weight. It is one of the most universal and timeless gestures of the Christian faith.From the earliest centuries, Christians have used light to signify God's presence. The candle, humble and fragile, has become the discreet symbol of a faith that watches, prays and hopes. Read more...

What are the 5 Catholic candles?

A light that speaks to the soulSince the origins of the Christian faith, candles have held an essential place in prayer, liturgy and gestures of the heart. To light a candle is to make a prayer visible, to offer silence, to invoke the light of Christ in the shadow of the world. Each flame evokes the presence of God, a discreet but living fire that enlightens without forcing, that warms without burning.In Catholic tradition, certain candles have become powerful symbols, each carrying its own meaning and a particular use. Here are the 5 most important Catholic candles to know. Read more...

Month of the Sacred Heart: living Christ's love every day

Why is the month of June dedicated to the Sacred Heart?Since the 19th century, the Church has dedicated the entire month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in response to a request forwarded by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun at the monastery of Paray-le-Monial. Jesus appeared to her on several occasions between 1673 and 1675 to show her his Heart burning with love for humanity, but also wounded by indifference, ingratitude and the sins of the world.The month of June therefore becomes a privileged time to meditate on this love, to make reparation for the offences committed against Christ and to allow ourselves to be transformed inwardly by the gentleness of his Heart. Read more...

Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church

A spiritual motherhood proclaimedOn the Monday following Pentecost, the Church now celebrates the liturgical memory of Mary, Mother of the Church. This feast, desired by Pope Francis in 2018, is intended to highlight the intimate bond between Mary and the Church, born in prayer and the fire of the Holy Spirit. Read more...

Pentecost: the birth of the Church and the breath of a new world

A festival rooted in biblical traditionBefore being a Christian event, Pentecost was a Jewish festival. It was celebrated fifty days after Passover, in memory of the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. At that time, Jews from the Diaspora flocked to Jerusalem to commemorate God's covenant with his people. This setting gives full meaning to Christian Pentecost: at the very moment when Israel recalls the Old Covenant, God makes a New Covenant, no longer engraved on tablets of stone, but inscribed in hearts by the Holy Spirit. Read more...