"The light of Lourdes illuminates the rebirth of Notre-Dame de Paris," announced the Lourdes shrine on Tuesday, June 25, as it presented the cathedral's new official votive candle.
The light of Our Lady
Available to worshipers and visitors starting on December 8, 2024, the day Notre-Dame reopens, it is already being produced in the workshops of the Ciergerie (candle-making factory) of Lourdes, located a stone's throw from the shrine.
"The managers and employees of the Ciergerie de Lourdes and the Lourdes shrine are very proud that the know-how of the people of Lourdes has been recognized in this way, and that it will continue to serve the prayers to Our Lady both in Paris and in Lourdes," said a statement from the shrine.
Awarded the "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" (Living Heritage Company) label by the French government, the candle factory, founded in 1928, is the only company to produce Lourdes candles.
The symbolism of candlelight
Committed to French know-how and craftsmanship, the company has designed a soy-oil wax candle for Notre-Dame, with a plant-based fully compostable and biodegradable white cup. It will be manufactured in Mèze, in the Hérault region of France.
This choice of candle-makers is not insignificant, as the spiritual symbolism of candles is also a sign given to the world.
The light of a votive candle manifests prayer that continues to rise to Heaven after the worshiper has left the church.
Lighting a candle, a humble and touching act of popular piety, is an act of faith in Christ the "light of the world," a simple expression of faith and trust in God.
Those who stroll beneath the cathedral's vaulted ceiling will see the silent testimony, in the hundreds of vibrant flames, of all those who have come before them to pray in union with Mary’s heart. The light of our Lady, from Lourdes to Paris, will continue to foster the prayers of pilgrims from all over the world.
