Weddings in Philippines
This section is one of several pages showing the text used for Jim and Nila's Filipino wedding and features the prayers for the candles.
Prayers for Candles
Candles are more than just lovely ornaments; they add a bright and warm ambience to any situation. Whether scented with incense or packed with dust to emit sparks when lit, candles are alive.
During the ceremony, Candle Lighters reverently light two small candles, which the bride and groom use to light a single larger candle. In contrast to the veil, rings and cord, the so called 'Unity Candles' are neither an ancient Christian rite nor a traditional Filipino custom; rather a relatively modern idea which has increased popularity over the past fifty years or so.
At about 13 lumens of visible light and 40 watts of heat, the candle is well-suited for representing married life. It is ignited by the heat of another flame, just as the bride and groom's wedding is celebrated by their families and friends.
As the candle wick is lit, it first melts and then vaporizes a small amount of the candle wax fuel. Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a flame. This flame then provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning via a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the mass of solid fuel, the liquefied fuel then moves upward through the wick via capillary action, and the liquefied fuel is then vaporized to burn within the candle's flame. Once a couple begin married life together, they can enjoy sustaining each other through the rest of their married lives.
Candle wicks sometimes need trimming. Similarly, marriages sometimes need external help to overcome difficulties. The wedding ceremony is attended by families and friends who will be there for such assistance.
Another advantage of candles is that they can be stored for a lifetime. The couple may decide to retain the main candle after the wedding (and the two smaller candles if they are part of a set) and light them at wedding anniversary dinners.
Pastor:
(groom's name) and (bride's name); (male candle lighter's name) and (female candle lighter's name) now light the candles for you. The candles represent the light from God that you will need to guide you throughout the rest of your married life. The candles also express the silent promise that the couple will continue to provide light and warmth to each other for life.
Candle Lighters come forward to light the two outside candles
Pastor:
(groom's name) and (bride's name) will now light centre Unity Candle. You will take the flame from the candles which (male candle lighter's name) and (female candle lighter's name) have lit. You will see that this centre candle is larger than the other two because it is the new family that has been formed today as you repeated your vows and will be a blending of all the love, traditions and experiences you have both shared with your individual families. It is also larger because the middle candle represents Christ, who has brought you both together for this moment and to remind you that He is with you always as a partner in your marriage, to guard and to guide you in all that you do.
(groom's name) and (bride's name), now light the candles that represent the light from God.
The bride and groom light the centre Unity Candle
Pastor:
Take the flames from the candles which have been lit. This centre candle is a sign that a new family has been formed today blending all the love, traditions and experiences you have both shared with your individual families. It also represents Christ, who has brought you both together for this moment.
As you light the Christ candle let it remind you that Christ is with you always as a partner in your marriage, to guard and guide you in all that you do.
Today, as candles are lit at the altar, remember the light of Christ that burns in all Christian hearts and our responsibility to share that light with the world, especially in this celebration of Eucharist.
Entire script in 
pdf format.
Return to Filipino Wedding
