Two hundred seventy-seven votive lights, many from people who were unable to attend the novena in person, represented the prayers being offered for each intention of those who participated in the novena. The devotion, popularized in an age when the hearts of men had grown cold, rekindled an active response to the passionate, merciful and tender love of God for mankind.

The flickering flames of the candles are a reminder of the love which burns in the Heart of Christ. This love is living and personal, and purifies, enlightens and warms the hearts of His disciples with comfort and hope.  The candles are also a symbol of the lives of religious and others consecrated to the Sacred Heart. Just as the flame consumes the wax of the candles, so the love of Christ burning in the hearts of faithful Christians consumes their lives in adoration and reparation for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.