Catholics to ‘unite with light’ amid COVID-19 pandemic.

A woman lights a candle on her balcony in Rome March 19, 2020, as faithful across Italy say a prayer for people suffering from COVID-19. (CNS photo/Yara Nardi, Reuters)

Although people are not allowed to gather physically during the “shelter in place” mandate to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is inviting Catholics to light candles as a symbolic show of community and hope on April 1 at 7 p.m. 

Catholics are asked to place a candle outside their home, or in their windows, to “show their trust in the Lord.” The candle will be a symbol of Christ’s light in the world, said the archdiocese, and in a special way will honor the healthcare workers and medical professionals who are fighting on the front lines of the pandemic. 

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels has been lighting candles on the colonnade as a sign of the Church’s presence with her people during this time of crisis. “The candles are a sign of the prayers of the Cathedral’s priests, and a beacon of hope as we journey together through these most challenging times,” said Eileen Bonaduce, business manager at the Cathedral.