I went out to do a "visita iglesia" this morning. My first stop was the Basilica di Sta. Maria Maggiore. Inside the church I saw more tourists taking pictures than devotees praying. These candelas are not made of wax. They are electrical lights that are made to look like candlesticks. You insert 50 cents into the slot and voila, a light switches on. You find artificial candles such as these in many churches in Rome. Sign of the times?
ALSO IN THIS SERIES
Easter Sunday
Holy Saturday
Maundy Thursday
Holy Wednesday – The Caged Jesus
Holy Tuesday – The Chisel & Tube Crucifix
Holy Monday – Brokenness
Palm Sunday – Pinoys in Rome
Electronic candles, ei? I can’t wait to see some in the Philippines! I don’t know how our traditional kin will react here. I definitely felt uneasy when I first read this. I mean, of course the world is changing fast but my heart is steadfastly rooting for the old-fashioned candle – with its flames dancing gracefully with the breeze. Still, I wouldn’t mind seeing that trend here and maybe I might fish some coins from my pocket to light em’ electronic candles for the experience. But the traditional part of me without a doubt would willingly go back to the match-lighted, flickering wax candles anytime. =)