Who Made Your Candle? Mount Angel Abbey

Lumen Christi, the Light of Christ

In Catholic tradition, light is a symbol of faith, truth, wisdom, virtue, grace, charity, and prayer. It is the sacred presence that comes from Christ. The light signifies our prayer offered in faith coming into the light of God. With the light of faith, we petition our Lord in prayer. The light shows a special reverence and our desire to remain present to Christ in prayer even though we may leave and go on with our daily lives.

Your unique candle is filled with love, prayer, and blessings. The glass is handblown, signed, and numbered by artisan Biagio Scarpello. Biagio uses a glass shaping process that dates back more than 2,000 years. A Benedictine Cross decal is burned into the surface of every glass candle holder with a St. Benedictine medal. The handblown candle is sent to Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon. It is there that a Benedictine monk begins the process of heating, filtering, and pouring soy wax into each candle. Embedded in each candle is a Benedictine Medal, the most powerful medal of protection.

For Benedictines at Mount Angel Abbey & Seminary, “art and culture are integral to living a fully human, Christian life. Art is what happens when a person or community faithfully lives the Rule of St. Benedict with intentionality.”

The Abbey candles are made with 100% soy wax. Br. La Vang Nguyen, our candlemaker, says that "soy wax is produced from soybeans and is environmentally friendly. Also, it burns much slower and cleaner compared to other types of wax."

“As you light your candle, may your home become a holy dwelling place for God, and may you be ignited by His Love for you ...we are all praying for you.” ―Mount Angel Abbey Monks