Jane Cook, Adult Formation Adviser for the Middlesbrough Diocese, writes,
You may recall my article in the December Catholic Voice about the candles and ‘Light of the World’ images, which had been blessed by Pope Benedict and were being distributed to every parish in the Diocese. The hope is that these special items will be used as a means of evangelisation, at formal and informal worship, in group meetings, in schools and hospitals, and in the homes of parishioners. I made a request in December for parishes to send photographs and information of the candles and images in use, to which a number of people have kindly responded.
One example that I witness regularly is at St Mary and St Romuald in Yarm, where the candle and image are prominently displayed on the sanctuary next to the lectern. At the proclamation of the Gospel, the candle is lit and remains burning throughout Mass.
At Christ the King in Thornaby, the candle and image are also displayed together on the sanctuary. They created a particular focus throughout Advent, with Fr Michael Keogh integrating their imagery with the themes of the Advent Scriptures in his preaching. He emphasized the symbolism of Christ as the Light of the World, who knocks on our doors and awaits our invitation to come into our hearts and homes.
The candle and image are also regularly used as a focus for prayer and reflection at the Thornaby parishes’ RCIA Group. The theme of the Papal Visit ‘Heart speaks unto heart’ has been emphasized with the enquirers who are on a journey of opening their own hearts to a deeper knowledge and love of Christ.
May I request that readers continue to send photographs and details about the use of the candles and images in your own parishes, which will be published in future editions.