It’s hard to imagine many of our cherished Catholic traditions without the presence of candles. From baptismal candles to paschal candles to the purple and pink candles that adorn Advent wreaths—and more—their soft light signifies hope, healing, and even the ultimate power of good (light) over evil (darkness) for people of faith. A good number of people probably never find out the backstory as to how religious candles are produced. But Brother Brian Henry Newbigging, OFM Conv, happens to have a unique insight into the work that goes into making these beautiful, symbolic objects and the impact they have on individuals and faith communities.
However, candle-making isn’t always a person’s sole career path, and many who practice the craft do so as a side job or passion project. Brother Brian, for example, arrived at Franciscan Soy Candles (FranciscanSoyCandles.org) after a number of twists and turns in his life and vocation as a friar.
Finding the Franciscans
Raised in a Catholic home in Tonawanda, New York—a suburb north of Buffalo—Brother Brian recalls the importance of faith in his upbringing. “Mom and Dad were very strong Catholics, and Dad attended Mass almost every day after he retired,” he says. “Dad was very involved in the Knights of Columbus and Holy Name Society, and they were very supportive of many worthy charities, especially the missions.”
While attending Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda, Brother Brian remembers “a strong presence of friars teaching in the school, along with the Sisters of [Notre Dame de] Namur and, of course, a lot of lay teachers. It was in my senior year while on a two-day retreat with some of my classmates that I suddenly felt the call to join the friars.” It’s often said that God laughs when we share our plans. In Brother Brian’s case, it was a friar. “When I returned to school, I met Father Leon, who was our guidance counselor, while he was watching a basketball game and told him of my plans,” he says. “He laughed at me, but the next day he called me into his office to begin the process. I guess what attracted me to the friars was their simple way of life, the way that they seemed to interact with each other, and their dedication to teaching.”
After graduating from high school in 1969, Brother Brian entered the novitiate. Before long, he realized that not all friars are called to the priesthood. “I originally entered the novitiate with the expectation of being ordained, but after a few months and living with the friar brothers (whom I did not know existed in the community because all the friars in high school were ordained priests), I felt the call to switch over,” he says. “But I had to wait until my first year at our college seminary until it became official.” Brother Brian’s final vows took place in 1974 in Ellicott City, Maryland, headquarters of the Conventual Franciscans’ Our Lady of the Angels Province.
During formation, Brother Brian discovered and developed skills in maintenance and became involved in numerous renovation projects, something he continues to do to this day. As his life as a Franciscan friar took shape, Brother Brian brought his skills in maintenance with him as he lived and worked in various parts of the Northeast. Not long before taking his final vows, Brother Brian also started to work in emergency medical services (EMS), beginning his journey in 1973 as a volunteer in Maryland with a local fire department. “I am currently employed as a paramedic in Harford County, Maryland, where I work two 24-hour shifts per week,” he says.
In 2020, Brother Brian returned to Ellicott City, where he lives and works today. With his background in maintenance and EMS, it’s a wonder he has time for anything else, let alone something as involved as candle-making. Like many surprise changes in life’s course, it was a case of “one thing led to another” and a bit of God’s grace that led Brother Brian to a new endeavor.
A Rewarding Ministry
When Brother Andre Picotte, OFM Conv, was shopping for Christmas gifts for friends and family one year, he decided to try something different: making candles and giving them out during the holidays. “One thing led to another, and before too long, he was selling the candles through a website and phone calls,” says Brother Brian. Since 2012, Franciscan Soy Candles has been a sponsored ministry of Our Lady of the Angels Province, and demand continues to grow. When Brother Andre began dealing with some health issues, he reached out to the province to see who might be able to carry it on. Brother Brian happened to be in contact with the same person in the province, who connected the two friars. Brother Brian assisted Brother Andre until the friar’s death this past May.
The ministry offers 12 distinct categories of candles—including candles dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Franciscan saints and holy people, Advent/Christmas, and Lent/Easter—as well as over 45 fragrances. The candles feature wood wicks, and each candle is hand-poured into 12-ounce Libbey Status glass jars. In keeping with the Franciscan tradition of caring for creation, all candles come in an eco-friendly gift box. For Brother Brian, working in this ministry has proven to be deeply rewarding and often a bit surprising. “I enjoy the alone and quiet time when making the candles, and I especially enjoy the phone calls from our customers who call to make specific requests for custom candles,” says Brother Brian.
“I find it heartwarming to know that a customer is so appreciative when we can generate a custom label, especially when it’s a memorial candle for a family member or friend who has died.” The ministry has also had a major impact on Brother Brian’s faith. “In working with the candle ministry, I have learned new things about our Catholic heritage, especially when it comes to the multiple devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the various saints.”
