Candles in the Cathedral

As you stand here, let us point out a few interesting items.

There are two stained glass windows in the gathering space. One near the gift shop entrance is in honor of Bishop Verot, the first bishop of the diocese of Saint Augustine in1870, the window you are in front of, honors the bishop of Rome, who is the Pope.

As you stand here and look behind and to your left, just inside of the wrought iron fence, you can see a window panel which show the original coquina walls of the cathedral, original construction began in 1793.

As you have toured the cathedral, you may notice candles at various stations in our cathedral. 

 From ancient times, candles have been used in churches and other devotional places. Besides being used to illuminate the places where the early Christians celebrated Mass, candles were also lighted at the tombs of martyrs. There is evidence that lit candles, or oil lamps, were burned at the tombs of saints, particularly martyrs, by the 200s, and before sacred images and relics by the 300s.

Another word for these candles is a “votive” candle, and comes from the Latin word votum, meaning promise, dedication, or simply “prayer.” It reinforces the idea that the candles represent our prayers before God.

Christians light candles as a sign or promise to pray for someone, or something.

Donations from these candles help support the up-keep and beauty of this sacred place.

Why not light a candle, and pray for someone today?

 “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Please move to the Baptistry, which is just inside the gift shop entrance and towards the right.

When there, please play the next stop.