Lighting candles as a form of prayer is an age-old tradition among Catholics and a popular practice at Our Lady of Mercy. EVERY SINGLE DAY, a team member from our Candle Ministry loads a cart with new candles and walks the perimeter of our church replacing old candles with new ones. They clean glass candle holders, they refresh the sand used to extinguish the flame, and they tidy up the areas around the candles. Their dedication to these duties is the reason that people from throughout the parish and the city stop in at Mercy to light a candle and pray at the feet of the saints. Distinguished Mercy parishioner, Mrs. Gwen Gillis, has served on this committee for the past 26 years, seven of those years serving as the leader of the committee.
Gwen started with the Candle Ministry in 1995 because there was a need to fill a Saturday position. After some discerning and lots of prayer, Gwen accepted the volunteer role and was trained by Mercy greats, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Sagona. Gwen felt particularly called to this ministry because she was drawn to giving back to the saints. By refreshing and replenishing the candles at the feet of the saints at Mercy, she felt it was the least she could do in return for answered prayers.
If you haven’t witnessed her dedication through the Candle Ministry, you have certainly seen Mrs. Gillis around campus in her service as a Sunday Sacristan, or as a Committed Adorer, or through her very active role with Magnificat, A Catholic Women’s Ministry.
Gwen and her husband John have been Mercy parishioners since 1992. She states, “Mercy has offered so much to me and my husband. Be it through Daily Mass; Confession; Adoration; Bible study; or any of the active ministries, those services have helped me feel like I belong here, have helped me to grow in my faith, and allowed me to have a deeper relationship with our Lord.”
Her advice to new and seasoned parishioners, the young and the young at heart – “if you feel a nudge in your heart to get involved and join a ministry, do it! When the timing is right, the Lord will make it easy for you and the joy in giving back is the greatest reward.”
Our Lady of Mercy parish extends heartfelt gratitude for Mrs. Gwen Gillis and her tireless dedication to our parish as she retires from this position and passes the candle to Ms. Astrid Wood.
You are a bright light at Our Lady of Mercy!