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Peace Light of Bethlehem
A Unique Opportunity is Available to Pray for Peace with the
Eternal Flame from Bethlehem
A flame from the grotto in Bethlehem was delivered to the Indianapolis area early in December of 2019. Some have retained it in their home. The Peace Light is a continuous flame and can have a profoundly positive impact on participants who share in this opportunity. Many volunteers will help spread the light from Bethlehem all over the world. After the flame arrives in NYC, a driver transported the flame from the east coast with stops in Indianapolis and Lafayette, IN to help spread the light across the United States.
Each year, a child from Upper Austria fetches the light from the grotto in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The light is then flown to Austria from where it is distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe who take it back, with a message of Peace, to their own countries for use at ecumenical services throughout the Continent. Scouts and Guides can then take the light on to houses of worship, hospitals, homeless shelters, old people homes, prisons, and places of public, cultural and political importance - to anybody who appreciates the significance of the "gift".
Members of the Catholic Committee on Scouting and other volunteers in Indianapolis and beyond will help spread the light in Indiana. Ceremonies were scheduled at several locations in the Archdiocese. Watch from next year and begin to plan for the blessing of a physical connection to the Peace light.
Plan to receive the flame and prepare your own ceremony. Some previous ceremonies have been after Mass, a separate event, or part of a scout activity. After your ceremony the flame can be left burning in the church so others can light their own candle from it.
Lanterns or seven-day candles work well for keeping the flame at home or church. Three-day candles are also available. Many people keep the candle lit on a mantel, by the base of a fireplace, in the kitchen, or other places in the home until Christmas Day and even into the New Year.
Please call or text Theresa Nees at 317-430-4834 or email abtwnees@gmail.com with any questions.
Information provided by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Catholic Committee on Scouting