Given the constant rhetoric about developing a Catholic identity, why are so many churches replacing votive candles with electric lamps? After the Mass and Rosary,votive candles are the number one identification for Catholic prayer.Is it really because of the fire hazard or because the custodians complain about cleaning up the candle wax? Why isn't this job given to Altar and Rosary if it's such a problem for the paid staff?
I think candles are beautiful, but I wouldn't be surprised if insurance companies are unhappy about them. I've never heard of a fire in a church started by candles, but I suppose it could happen ...
4. Yes, what a bishop is called to oversee often far outweighs his abilities
As for your question about votives, I imagine it's because of the wax and the added work it would take on the part of the custodial staff. The two churches of which I have been a member, though, haven't had either votives or lamps.
It reminds me of back in the early days of Vatican II when it seemed some priests were embarrassed to have their churches look too Catholic and got rid of all the statues of Mary and the saints. Of course, a lot of Catholic hiomes got rid of all their images, too.
7. I've only seen electric candles in Italy. It's a bit odd to go into
a church that's centuries old and see electric candles but I just chalked it up to the Italian love for gadgets, which is as great as their sense of style.
On the other hand, the soot factor augie mentioned is surely part of the reason for electric candles.
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