In the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, nothing in the church is excessive when it leads the soul to God—even something as small as a flame.

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🔥 A Little Light for the Lord

A candle is a small thing. Poor, simple, easily forgotten.

And yet—it shines.

The Franciscan heart recognizes this:
God delights not in grandeur, but in what is humble and offered with love.

A single flame says:
“Here I am, Lord—small, but given.”

🕯️ A Prayer That Remains

Like the quiet life of a friar, the candle does not speak loudly.
It simply burns… faithfully.

Even when no one is watching, it continues its offering.

So too the soul:
to pray not for display, but to remain before God in simplicity.

🌿 To Be Spent in Love

The candle gives light as it is consumed.

This is the Gospel lived in miniature.

It reflects the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who chose to be “used up” in love—
poor, joyful, and given entirely to Christ.

🕊️ Creation Praising the Creator

Francis called the sun his brother and the moon his sister.

Even fire, he called Brother Fire—beautiful, strong, and full of life.

A candle, then, is not just a symbol.
It is creation itself praising God.

A small flame joins the great hymn of all that exists.

⛪ Holy Simplicity

Churches use many candles not for display, but for devotion.

Each one is an act of love.
Each one a silent offering.
Each one a reminder:

God is near, even in the smallest light.

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✨ In the Franciscan Way

We do not need great things to come close to God.

Only a flame…
a quiet heart…
and the willingness to be given.

✠ Archbishop Éric M. Gagnon, O.F.S., M.I.
President Bishop & Founder