My MIL gave us the baptismal candle used for my husband's baptism and I was wondering if I can reuse this for my son's baptism? Or is it considered religiously inappropriate? We're waiting to hear from our priest about this, but wanted to see if I could get a faster answer from you all.
I spoke to the priest last night and he said that usually the church will give you a new candle to use. However, it would be more special/have significant meaning if we were to use the same candle that was used for my husband's baptism so that is what we're going to do. Thanks so much for all of your input!!
Everyone in my family has used the same baptismal candle for 3 generations (uncles, aunts, cousins, everyone). But when we had my son baptized, the priest said that the light symbolizes the gift of the Holy Spirit and that the significance of the candle was that each person receives his or her own light. Touching, but I used it anyway. Who am I to break tradition?
H.,
Most likely your church will give you a new baptismal candle for your son, since he will be a new creation in Christ. The candle represents the Light of Christ burning within him. Also, his own candle will indicate he is a new individual in Christ. I know, it is only lit for a little while. The priest may not care and say you can use his father's candle. I'd wait for his decision. If you don't get an answer, bring the dad's candle along in the diaper bag. If the assistant gives you a new candle, use that one.
Of course you can use it, the fact that your husband used it during his makes it even more special.
O.
Your son will get his own Baptismal candle that will be lit from the Easter candle and burn throughout the ceremony. No, I do not think it is appropriate to use your husband's baptismal candle for your son.
Your son will get several new things on his baptismal day to celebrate his entrance as a new member into the Church.
H.,
It's all about a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, not religious 'rules'. I believe it would be very special to use the same candle for your son that was your husband's. I hope your Priest will say and feel the same way too. I don't beleive it says anywhere in the Bible that you can't. LOL!
Enjoy that little one!
Take Care,
N. :) SAHM homeschooling 3 boys 13, 8 & 2 yrs old and married to my Mr. Wonderful for almost 15yrs. I love to help other moms, who really want to become SAHMs, reach that goal!
Hi H.! My MIL had my husband's baptismal candle too, and we wanted to do somethin special with it, so when we got home from the baptism, we had a special dinner planned, and we lit my husband's, mine, and my daughter's baptismal candles together at the table to symbolize our joining together in Christ. it was a touching gesture.
H.-
I am definitely not an expert on this subject but I believe that the baptismal candle is reused for other sacraments as the child gets older (i.e. confirmation and wedding).
I do not think you can reuse your husband's baptism candle for your son's baptism. I know when we had our son baptized our church provided him with a baptismal candle but when my niece was baptized at a different church they had to purchase a candle and were encouraged to decorate it. My suggestion would be to get a new candle but I would just wait to hear the final word from the priest (after all, his word is final)! :) Hope your son's baptism goes well! Congrats!
