One of the exceptional symbols of devotion to Nuestra Seรฑora dela Candelaria is the Perdon Candle which is usually lit when asking for favors from Nanay Cande and when times of danger and calamity come.
Every February 2, the Church commemorates the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the current Liturgical Calendar. The Feast of the Purification of Mary, hence the title “Nuestra Seรฑora de la Candelaria y Purificacion,” recalls Lord’s offering in the temple by His blessed Mother, as the Victim who should reconcile God and man.
On this day, candles are blessed as a fitting symbol of God, the All-Pure, the Omnipresent, the Vivifier of all things, the Source of all grace and enlightenment, and of Lord Jesus Christ as the Light and Savior of the World. The rite of candle blessing during the February 2 Eucharist echoes Simeon’s words, who described Our Lord as “the light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (cf. Luke 2:32).
Devotees believed that these candles were miraculous and that they should be lit in times of need, especially during calamities, for protection. All other miracles we attribute to Mary, our Mother and the Lady of Candles, who bears Jesus, the Light of the World, the refuge of all and the Savior of Mankind.
The 2023 Perdon Candles are available at Jaro Cathedral and other affiliated retailers; and the Blessing of Candles will take place during the Solemn Pontifical Mass on February 2, 2023 at 8am, which will be presided by Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, D.D., Archbishop of Jaro.
Viva, La Virgen dela Candelaria!
References:
