-Terms and Conditions-
1. Service Description
Vatican Candle ("the Company") provides a devotional candle-lighting facilitation service conducted within St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. The service consists of a Company-appointed attendant making a monetary offering and activating an electric candle located in publicly accessible chapels along the basilica's periphery. Collective Ceremony; No Individual Lightings. Purchasers acknowledge and agree that they are not acquiring ownership of any physical candle, individual lighting, or private ceremony. All purchaser intentions are aggregated and incorporated into a single collective, group ceremonial lighting. There are no individual candle lightings. Each ceremony encompasses all intentions received since the prior ceremony, which may represent months or years of accumulated submissions. Timing at Company's Sole Discretion. Collective ceremonies are conducted entirely at the Company's sole and absolute discretion. The Company anticipates conducting ceremonies approximately once per year; however, ceremonies may occur less frequently—including as infrequently as once every five (5) years or longer—or may be postponed indefinitely. No guarantee is made that any ceremony will occur within any specific timeframe. The Company is under no obligation to conduct ceremonies on any schedule, and purchasers expressly waive any expectation of timely or regular ceremonial performance. Purchasers acknowledge that years may pass between the date of purchase and the date of any ceremony incorporating their intention. No Guaranteed Lighting. We do not promise that your candle will be lit at any set time, within any certain period, or at all. The decision to schedule, postpone, or cancel any ceremony rests exclusively with the Company and is not subject to challenge, dispute, or refund. Vatican Candle is a privately owned, for-profit entity and is neither affiliated with, endorsed by, nor acting on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy See, or any entity within Vatican City. No portion of the Company's revenue constitutes a donation or financial contribution to the aforementioned institutions. All devotional actions facilitated under this service employ electric candles, consistent with current public devotional practices within St. Peter's Basilica. Traditional open-flame candles are not used in these chapels. Members of the public visiting the basilica customarily make offerings and activate electric candles as a symbolic act of devotion and remembrance. Prayers and personal intentions submitted through the website are retained solely for order administration and ceremonial use. During collective ceremonies, submitted intentions may be silently honored or recited as part of the devotional act. Purchaser names are also retained for order administration and ceremonial recitation. By completing a purchase, you represent that you are at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement. By placing an order, the purchaser consents to the storage and ceremonial use of their submitted name and intention.
2. Spiritual Nature of Service
The services provided by the Company are devotional and symbolic in nature. The act performed—making an offering and activating an electric candle—is executed on behalf of the purchaser. No tangible goods are shipped or transferred. Participation in the service signifies inclusion within a communal devotional ceremony. It does not constitute ownership, possession, or exclusive rights to any particular candle or flame. This service replicates a devotional act that is publicly available to any individual visiting the basilica: the offering and activation of an electric candle (without open flame) as a visible symbol of prayer or remembrance. The ceremonial recitation of purchaser names is conducted as a traditional intercessory practice, lifting each individual to prayerful remembrance. By completing a purchase, the purchaser expressly consents to having their name recited aloud during a collective devotional ceremony within St. Peter's Basilica. Purchasers who do not wish to have their name recited may contact the Company prior to the next scheduled ceremony to request exclusion. Such requests shall be honored on a reasonable-efforts basis but shall not entitle the purchaser to any refund.
3. Authorized Lighting and Timing
Ceremonial lightings are performed exclusively by authorized attendants of the Company when access to the designated chapels is available. As access schedules may vary, lightings are not guaranteed to occur weekly, monthly, or at any regular interval. Each validly received intention will be incorporated into the next available group ceremony. The Company reserves sole discretion over the scheduling and frequency of all ceremonies.
4. Offering Tiers and Duration of Devotional Coverage
The Company offers devotional services at various tiers, each representing a period of spiritual remembrance and intercessory coverage. The duration associated with each tier (e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly) refers exclusively to the length of time during which the purchaser's intention remains under active devotional remembrance by the Company. It does not refer to the duration any physical or electric candle remains illuminated. Blessed Candle (Single Offering): The purchaser's name and intention are included in one collective ceremony. Devotional coverage extends through that single ceremonial act. A Week of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of seven (7) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. A Month of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. A Year of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. The Company makes no representation or warranty that any ceremony will occur during a given coverage period. If no ceremony is conducted during a purchaser's coverage period, the purchaser shall not be entitled to any refund, as the service provided is devotional remembrance, not guaranteed ceremonial participation. Purchasers acquire a period of spiritual coverage and intercessory remembrance—not perpetual or continuous candle illumination, nor any guarantee of ceremonial frequency.
5. Nature of Purchase
Purchasers acknowledge that they are not purchasing: (a) a physical candle; (b) a private or individualized lighting; (c) a continuously burning flame; (d) a ceremony conducted at any specific time or date; or (e) any guarantee that a candle will remain lit for the duration indicated by the offering tier. Purchasers are purchasing: (a) inclusion of their prayer intention in a communal, electric-candle devotional ceremony conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; (b) recitation of their name during such ceremony; and (c) a defined period of devotional remembrance as specified by the selected offering tier. All ceremonies involve electric candles, in accordance with the basilica's public devotional practices. Throughout these Terms and Conditions, as well as in all Company marketing materials, product descriptions, and communications, the term "light" — including but not limited to references such as "A Week of Light," "A Month of Light," and "A Year of Light" — refers to prayer, intention, and spiritual devotion. It does not refer to the illumination of any physical or electric candle, nor does it imply that any candle shall remain lit for any specified duration. The use of "light" is symbolic and devotional in nature, consistent with the scriptural and liturgical tradition in which light represents faith, hope, and the presence of God. As used herein and in all Company materials, the term "light" refers to prayer, intention, and devotional remembrance — not to the illumination or burn time of any candle. References to "A Week of Light," "A Month of Light," or "A Year of Light" denote periods of spiritual coverage, not candle duration.
6. Proof of Inclusion
Upon order completion, purchasers will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt of their order and inclusion in devotional remembrance for the applicable coverage period. Delivery of such confirmation may be affected by factors outside the Company's control, including spam filtering or incorrect email addresses. Email confirmation constitutes the sole proof of purchase and devotional coverage. The Company does not provide individual notification upon completion of any specific ceremony.
7. Payment, Pricing, and Renewals
All prices are stated in United States Dollars (USD) unless expressly indicated otherwise. Payment is due at the time of order placement. The Company reserves the right to modify pricing or service offerings at any time without prior notice. Subscription-based plans, if offered, renew automatically until canceled by the purchaser. It is the purchaser's responsibility to cancel prior to the renewal date if they do not wish to continue.
8. Refunds and Cancellations
Because each order initiates a period of devotional remembrance immediately upon purchase, all sales are final. Refunds will be issued solely in the event of a verified technical error, including duplicate charges. No refund shall be issued based on the timing, frequency, or occurrence of ceremonies, as the primary service is devotional remembrance, which commences immediately upon purchase.
9. Appropriate Use
Purchasers shall not submit any names or messages that are unlawful, defamatory, obscene, hateful, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate. Impersonation of any individual or interference with the operation of the Company's services is strictly prohibited. The Company reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject or refuse any submission that violates these standards, and to refuse service to any individual without refund.
10. Privacy and Data Use
The Company collects and processes personal information — including names, contact details, and submitted prayer intentions — solely for the purposes of administering offerings, sending confirmations, conducting ceremonial recitation and devotional acts, and maintaining operational integrity. Purchaser names and intentions may be spoken aloud or silently honored during collective ceremonies conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; such use constitutes an integral part of the service and does not represent disclosure to third parties. Personal data shall not be sold, leased, or otherwise disclosed to third parties except as required by law or necessary to perform the contracted service. The Company implements reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect purchaser information but cannot guarantee absolute security against unauthorized access or breach. Data Retention: Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in these Terms, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Devotional records, including names and intentions, may be retained indefinitely for archival and ceremonial purposes consistent with the nature of the service. International Users: If you access the services from outside the United States, please review Section 29 (International Users and GDPR Compliance) for additional terms applicable to your jurisdiction. California Residents: Please review Section 30 (California Consumer Disclosures) for additional terms applicable to California residents. The Company collects and processes personal information — including names, contact details, and submitted prayer intentions — solely for the purposes of administering offerings, sending confirmations, conducting ceremonial recitation and devotional acts, and maintaining operational integrity. Purchaser names and intentions may be spoken aloud or silently honored during collective ceremonies conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; such use constitutes an integral part of the service and does not represent disclosure to third parties. Personal data shall not be sold, leased, or otherwise disclosed to third parties except as required by law or necessary to perform the contracted service. The Company implements reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect purchaser information but cannot guarantee absolute security against unauthorized access or breach.
11. Intellectual Property
All textual content, imagery, audiovisual materials, trademarks, trade dress, and other proprietary elements displayed on the Company’s website or within its communications are the exclusive property of Vatican Candle or its licensors. No reproduction, modification, or distribution of such materials is permitted without prior written authorization.
12. Limitation of Liability
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT THAT CEREMONIES WILL OCCUR AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME, FREQUENCY, OR INTERVAL, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPECTATIONS OF SPIRITUAL BENEFIT, PERCEIVED DIVINE OUTCOMES, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, OR LOSS OF FAITH.IN ALL CASES, THE COMPANY'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE IN QUESTION.THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH ANY CLAIM IS BASED, INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
13. No Guarantee of Spiritual Outcome
The Company makes no representations or warranties regarding specific spiritual results, divine intercession, miraculous effects, answered prayers, or any particular outcome of any nature. Participation constitutes a voluntary act of personal faith and devotion. The purchaser assumes all risk regarding their spiritual expectations.
14. Force Majeure
The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, war, terrorism, government actions, closure of St. Peter's Basilica, restricted access to the Vatican, travel disruptions, or any other event that prevents or delays the conduct of ceremonies.
15. Entire Agreement
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the purchaser and the Company regarding the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written.
16. Governing Law and Venue
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of America, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought exclusively before the state or federal courts located within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, which shall have sole jurisdiction over such matters.
17. Waiver of Class Action
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PURCHASER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION AGAINST THE COMPANY. ANY DISPUTE SHALL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY.
18. Age and Capacity to Contract
By completing a purchase, the purchaser represents and warrants that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement under the laws of their jurisdiction. Purchases made by individuals under the age of eighteen (18) must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, who shall be bound by these Terms on behalf of themselves and the minor. The Company reserves the right to cancel any order and refuse service if it has reason to believe the purchaser lacks the legal capacity to contract.
20. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, shall be severed from these Terms. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
21. Indemnification
The purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vatican Candle, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:(a) the purchaser's use of or participation in the service;(b) any content, name, intention, or message submitted by the purchaser, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, or infringement of third-party rights;(c) the purchaser's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Terms;(d) any dispute between the purchaser and a third party relating to the service; or(e) any violation of applicable law by the purchaser. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of these Terms and the completion of any service.
22. No Waiver
No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right, power, or remedy under these Terms shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power, or remedy. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or equity. The purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vatican Candle, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:(a) the purchaser's use of or participation in the service;(b) any content, name, intention, or message submitted by the purchaser, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, or infringement of third-party rights;(c) the purchaser's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Terms;(d) any dispute between the purchaser and a third party relating to the service; or(e) any violation of applicable law by the purchaser. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of these Terms and the completion of any service.
23. Dispute Resolution and Notice Requirement
Prior to initiating any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the services provided hereunder, the purchaser must first provide written notice to the Company describing the nature of the dispute and the relief sought. Such notice must be sent via email to [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS] or by certified mail to [INSERT MAILING ADDRESS].Upon receipt of such notice, the Company shall have sixty (60) days to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. The purchaser agrees to participate in good faith in any such resolution efforts. If the dispute is not resolved within the sixty (60) day period, either party may proceed with formal legal action in accordance with Section 16 (Governing Law and Venue) of these Terms. No legal proceeding may be commenced until the foregoing notice and cure period has been completed. Any claim brought without compliance with this Section 23 shall be subject to dismissal without prejudice. No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right, power, or remedy under these Terms shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power, or remedy. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or equity. The purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vatican Candle, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:(a) the purchaser's use of or participation in the service;(b) any content, name, intention, or message submitted by the purchaser, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, or infringement of third-party rights;(c) the purchaser's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Terms;(d) any dispute between the purchaser and a third party relating to the service; or(e) any violation of applicable law by the purchaser. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of these Terms and the completion of any service.
24. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
If a purchaser initiates a chargeback, payment dispute, or reversal of payment through their credit card issuer, bank, or payment processor, the Company reserves the right to:(a) suspend or terminate the purchaser's devotional coverage immediately upon notice of the dispute;(b) contest the chargeback and provide documentation supporting the validity of the transaction;(c) pursue collection of the disputed amount through lawful means, including but not limited to referral to a collections agency or initiation of legal proceedings;(d) recover from the purchaser any fees, costs, or expenses incurred by the Company as a result of the chargeback, including chargeback fees imposed by payment processors; and(e) permanently ban the purchaser from making future purchases. The purchaser acknowledges that initiating a chargeback does not relieve them of their obligations under these Terms, and that fraudulent or bad-faith chargebacks may constitute theft of services.
26. Gift Purchases and Third-Party Beneficiaries
Purchasers may submit names and intentions on behalf of third parties, including as gifts or memorials. In such cases:(a) The purchaser — not the named individual or intended recipient — is the contracting party and is solely bound by these Terms.(b) All rights regarding refunds, cancellations, disputes, and communications with the Company belong exclusively to the purchaser.(c) The purchaser represents that they have obtained any necessary consent from the named individual to submit their name and have it recited during a collective ceremony, or that the named individual is deceased or otherwise unable to provide such consent.(d) The named individual or recipient shall have no direct claim against the Company and is not a party to these Terms. Except as expressly stated herein, these Terms do not confer any rights, benefits, or remedies upon any person or entity other than the purchaser and the Company. There are no third-party beneficiaries to these Terms. The Company reserves the right to amend or update these Terms at any time. Revised Terms shall become effective immediately upon posting to the Company's website. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of any modifications. It is the purchaser's responsibility to review these Terms periodically.
27. Assignment
The Company may assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense any or all of its rights, obligations, or interests under these Terms, in whole or in part, to any person or entity at any time without notice to or consent from the purchaser. Such assignment may occur in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, reorganization, or any other corporate transaction or for any other reason. The purchaser may not assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense any of their rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of the Company. Any attempted assignment in violation of this Section shall be void and of no effect.
28. Limitation Period for Claims
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, OR THE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES. FAILURE TO BRING SUCH CLAIM WITHIN THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD SHALL RESULT IN THE PERMANENT WAIVER AND FORFEITURE OF SUCH CLAIM. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. For purposes of this Section, a claim shall be deemed to have accrued on the date of the act, omission, or event giving rise to the claim, or if later, the date on which the purchaser knew or reasonably should have known of the facts giving rise to the claim.
29. International Users and GDPR Compliance
The Company's services are operated from the United States. If you access or use the services from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws. For Users Located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland: The Company processes personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable data protection laws. The following supplemental terms apply: Legal Basis for Processing. The Company processes personal data on the following legal bases: Performance of Contract: Processing of names, contact information, and intentions is necessary to perform the service you have purchased. Legitimate Interests: Processing for fraud prevention, security, and improvement of services. Consent: Where required, you have consented to the ceremonial recitation of your name. Data Subject Rights. You have the right to: Access the personal data we hold about you; Rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal data; Request erasure of your personal data, subject to our legal retention obligations; Restrict or object to certain processing activities; Receive your personal data in a portable format; and Withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent. To exercise these rights, contact the Company at [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS]. The Company will respond to verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law. International Data Transfers. Personal data collected from users in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland may be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may not provide the same level of data protection as your home jurisdiction. By using the services, you consent to such transfers. The Company implements appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses where applicable, to protect transferred data. Data Retention. Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in these Terms, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Devotional records may be retained indefinitely for archival and ceremonial purposes. Supervisory Authority. If you are located in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, OR THE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES. FAILURE TO BRING SUCH CLAIM WITHIN THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD SHALL RESULT IN THE PERMANENT WAIVER AND FORFEITURE OF SUCH CLAIM. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. For purposes of this Section, a claim shall be deemed to have accrued on the date of the act, omission, or event giving rise to the claim, or if later, the date on which the purchaser knew or reasonably should have known of the facts giving rise to the claim.
30. California Consumer Disclosures
For Users Located in California: Automatic Renewal Disclosures (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600 et seq.): If the Company offers subscription-based services with automatic renewal: The subscription will continue and you will be charged the then-current price at each renewal period until you cancel. You may cancel your subscription at any time by contacting the Company at [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS] or through your account settings. Cancellation will be effective at the end of the current billing period; you will continue to have access to the service through the end of that period. No refunds will be provided for partial billing periods. The Company will provide you with a confirmation of your subscription and renewal terms at the time of purchase and will send a reminder before each renewal if required by law. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Notice: California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. The Company does not sell personal information. To exercise your rights under the CCPA, contact the Company at support@vaticancandle.com.
31. Modifications to Terms
The Company reserves the right to amend or update these Terms at any time. Revised Terms shall become effective immediately upon posting to the Company's website. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of any modifications. It is the purchaser's responsibility to review these Terms periodically.
By completing a purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Vatican Candle
Copyright 2025
All Rights Reserved
Vatican Candle ("the Company") provides a devotional candle-lighting facilitation service conducted within St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. The service consists of a Company-appointed attendant making a monetary offering and activating an electric candle located in publicly accessible chapels along the basilica's periphery. Collective Ceremony; No Individual Lightings. Purchasers acknowledge and agree that they are not acquiring ownership of any physical candle, individual lighting, or private ceremony. All purchaser intentions are aggregated and incorporated into a single collective, group ceremonial lighting. There are no individual candle lightings. Each ceremony encompasses all intentions received since the prior ceremony, which may represent months or years of accumulated submissions. Timing at Company's Sole Discretion. Collective ceremonies are conducted entirely at the Company's sole and absolute discretion. The Company anticipates conducting ceremonies approximately once per year; however, ceremonies may occur less frequently—including as infrequently as once every five (5) years or longer—or may be postponed indefinitely. No guarantee is made that any ceremony will occur within any specific timeframe. The Company is under no obligation to conduct ceremonies on any schedule, and purchasers expressly waive any expectation of timely or regular ceremonial performance. Purchasers acknowledge that years may pass between the date of purchase and the date of any ceremony incorporating their intention. No Guaranteed Lighting. We do not promise that your candle will be lit at any set time, within any certain period, or at all. The decision to schedule, postpone, or cancel any ceremony rests exclusively with the Company and is not subject to challenge, dispute, or refund. Vatican Candle is a privately owned, for-profit entity and is neither affiliated with, endorsed by, nor acting on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy See, or any entity within Vatican City. No portion of the Company's revenue constitutes a donation or financial contribution to the aforementioned institutions. All devotional actions facilitated under this service employ electric candles, consistent with current public devotional practices within St. Peter's Basilica. Traditional open-flame candles are not used in these chapels. Members of the public visiting the basilica customarily make offerings and activate electric candles as a symbolic act of devotion and remembrance. Prayers and personal intentions submitted through the website are retained solely for order administration and ceremonial use. During collective ceremonies, submitted intentions may be silently honored or recited as part of the devotional act. Purchaser names are also retained for order administration and ceremonial recitation. By completing a purchase, you represent that you are at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement. By placing an order, the purchaser consents to the storage and ceremonial use of their submitted name and intention.
2. Spiritual Nature of Service
The services provided by the Company are devotional and symbolic in nature. The act performed—making an offering and activating an electric candle—is executed on behalf of the purchaser. No tangible goods are shipped or transferred. Participation in the service signifies inclusion within a communal devotional ceremony. It does not constitute ownership, possession, or exclusive rights to any particular candle or flame. This service replicates a devotional act that is publicly available to any individual visiting the basilica: the offering and activation of an electric candle (without open flame) as a visible symbol of prayer or remembrance. The ceremonial recitation of purchaser names is conducted as a traditional intercessory practice, lifting each individual to prayerful remembrance. By completing a purchase, the purchaser expressly consents to having their name recited aloud during a collective devotional ceremony within St. Peter's Basilica. Purchasers who do not wish to have their name recited may contact the Company prior to the next scheduled ceremony to request exclusion. Such requests shall be honored on a reasonable-efforts basis but shall not entitle the purchaser to any refund.
3. Authorized Lighting and Timing
Ceremonial lightings are performed exclusively by authorized attendants of the Company when access to the designated chapels is available. As access schedules may vary, lightings are not guaranteed to occur weekly, monthly, or at any regular interval. Each validly received intention will be incorporated into the next available group ceremony. The Company reserves sole discretion over the scheduling and frequency of all ceremonies.
4. Offering Tiers and Duration of Devotional Coverage
The Company offers devotional services at various tiers, each representing a period of spiritual remembrance and intercessory coverage. The duration associated with each tier (e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly) refers exclusively to the length of time during which the purchaser's intention remains under active devotional remembrance by the Company. It does not refer to the duration any physical or electric candle remains illuminated. Blessed Candle (Single Offering): The purchaser's name and intention are included in one collective ceremony. Devotional coverage extends through that single ceremonial act. A Week of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of seven (7) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. A Month of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. A Year of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. The Company makes no representation or warranty that any ceremony will occur during a given coverage period. If no ceremony is conducted during a purchaser's coverage period, the purchaser shall not be entitled to any refund, as the service provided is devotional remembrance, not guaranteed ceremonial participation. Purchasers acquire a period of spiritual coverage and intercessory remembrance—not perpetual or continuous candle illumination, nor any guarantee of ceremonial frequency.
5. Nature of Purchase
Purchasers acknowledge that they are not purchasing: (a) a physical candle; (b) a private or individualized lighting; (c) a continuously burning flame; (d) a ceremony conducted at any specific time or date; or (e) any guarantee that a candle will remain lit for the duration indicated by the offering tier. Purchasers are purchasing: (a) inclusion of their prayer intention in a communal, electric-candle devotional ceremony conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; (b) recitation of their name during such ceremony; and (c) a defined period of devotional remembrance as specified by the selected offering tier. All ceremonies involve electric candles, in accordance with the basilica's public devotional practices. Throughout these Terms and Conditions, as well as in all Company marketing materials, product descriptions, and communications, the term "light" — including but not limited to references such as "A Week of Light," "A Month of Light," and "A Year of Light" — refers to prayer, intention, and spiritual devotion. It does not refer to the illumination of any physical or electric candle, nor does it imply that any candle shall remain lit for any specified duration. The use of "light" is symbolic and devotional in nature, consistent with the scriptural and liturgical tradition in which light represents faith, hope, and the presence of God. As used herein and in all Company materials, the term "light" refers to prayer, intention, and devotional remembrance — not to the illumination or burn time of any candle. References to "A Week of Light," "A Month of Light," or "A Year of Light" denote periods of spiritual coverage, not candle duration.
6. Proof of Inclusion
Upon order completion, purchasers will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt of their order and inclusion in devotional remembrance for the applicable coverage period. Delivery of such confirmation may be affected by factors outside the Company's control, including spam filtering or incorrect email addresses. Email confirmation constitutes the sole proof of purchase and devotional coverage. The Company does not provide individual notification upon completion of any specific ceremony.
7. Payment, Pricing, and Renewals
All prices are stated in United States Dollars (USD) unless expressly indicated otherwise. Payment is due at the time of order placement. The Company reserves the right to modify pricing or service offerings at any time without prior notice. Subscription-based plans, if offered, renew automatically until canceled by the purchaser. It is the purchaser's responsibility to cancel prior to the renewal date if they do not wish to continue.
8. Refunds and Cancellations
Because each order initiates a period of devotional remembrance immediately upon purchase, all sales are final. Refunds will be issued solely in the event of a verified technical error, including duplicate charges. No refund shall be issued based on the timing, frequency, or occurrence of ceremonies, as the primary service is devotional remembrance, which commences immediately upon purchase.
9. Appropriate Use
Purchasers shall not submit any names or messages that are unlawful, defamatory, obscene, hateful, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate. Impersonation of any individual or interference with the operation of the Company's services is strictly prohibited. The Company reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject or refuse any submission that violates these standards, and to refuse service to any individual without refund.
10. Privacy and Data Use
The Company collects and processes personal information — including names, contact details, and submitted prayer intentions — solely for the purposes of administering offerings, sending confirmations, conducting ceremonial recitation and devotional acts, and maintaining operational integrity. Purchaser names and intentions may be spoken aloud or silently honored during collective ceremonies conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; such use constitutes an integral part of the service and does not represent disclosure to third parties. Personal data shall not be sold, leased, or otherwise disclosed to third parties except as required by law or necessary to perform the contracted service. The Company implements reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect purchaser information but cannot guarantee absolute security against unauthorized access or breach. Data Retention: Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in these Terms, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Devotional records, including names and intentions, may be retained indefinitely for archival and ceremonial purposes consistent with the nature of the service. International Users: If you access the services from outside the United States, please review Section 29 (International Users and GDPR Compliance) for additional terms applicable to your jurisdiction. California Residents: Please review Section 30 (California Consumer Disclosures) for additional terms applicable to California residents. The Company collects and processes personal information — including names, contact details, and submitted prayer intentions — solely for the purposes of administering offerings, sending confirmations, conducting ceremonial recitation and devotional acts, and maintaining operational integrity. Purchaser names and intentions may be spoken aloud or silently honored during collective ceremonies conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; such use constitutes an integral part of the service and does not represent disclosure to third parties. Personal data shall not be sold, leased, or otherwise disclosed to third parties except as required by law or necessary to perform the contracted service. The Company implements reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect purchaser information but cannot guarantee absolute security against unauthorized access or breach.
11. Intellectual Property
All textual content, imagery, audiovisual materials, trademarks, trade dress, and other proprietary elements displayed on the Company’s website or within its communications are the exclusive property of Vatican Candle or its licensors. No reproduction, modification, or distribution of such materials is permitted without prior written authorization.
12. Limitation of Liability
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT THAT CEREMONIES WILL OCCUR AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME, FREQUENCY, OR INTERVAL, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPECTATIONS OF SPIRITUAL BENEFIT, PERCEIVED DIVINE OUTCOMES, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, OR LOSS OF FAITH.IN ALL CASES, THE COMPANY'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE IN QUESTION.THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH ANY CLAIM IS BASED, INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
13. No Guarantee of Spiritual Outcome
The Company makes no representations or warranties regarding specific spiritual results, divine intercession, miraculous effects, answered prayers, or any particular outcome of any nature. Participation constitutes a voluntary act of personal faith and devotion. The purchaser assumes all risk regarding their spiritual expectations.
14. Force Majeure
The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, war, terrorism, government actions, closure of St. Peter's Basilica, restricted access to the Vatican, travel disruptions, or any other event that prevents or delays the conduct of ceremonies.
15. Entire Agreement
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the purchaser and the Company regarding the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written.
16. Governing Law and Venue
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of America, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought exclusively before the state or federal courts located within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, which shall have sole jurisdiction over such matters.
17. Waiver of Class Action
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PURCHASER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION AGAINST THE COMPANY. ANY DISPUTE SHALL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY.
18. Age and Capacity to Contract
By completing a purchase, the purchaser represents and warrants that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement under the laws of their jurisdiction. Purchases made by individuals under the age of eighteen (18) must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, who shall be bound by these Terms on behalf of themselves and the minor. The Company reserves the right to cancel any order and refuse service if it has reason to believe the purchaser lacks the legal capacity to contract.
20. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, shall be severed from these Terms. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
21. Indemnification
The purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vatican Candle, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:(a) the purchaser's use of or participation in the service;(b) any content, name, intention, or message submitted by the purchaser, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, or infringement of third-party rights;(c) the purchaser's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Terms;(d) any dispute between the purchaser and a third party relating to the service; or(e) any violation of applicable law by the purchaser. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of these Terms and the completion of any service.
22. No Waiver
No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right, power, or remedy under these Terms shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power, or remedy. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or equity. The purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vatican Candle, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:(a) the purchaser's use of or participation in the service;(b) any content, name, intention, or message submitted by the purchaser, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, or infringement of third-party rights;(c) the purchaser's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Terms;(d) any dispute between the purchaser and a third party relating to the service; or(e) any violation of applicable law by the purchaser. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of these Terms and the completion of any service.
23. Dispute Resolution and Notice Requirement
Prior to initiating any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the services provided hereunder, the purchaser must first provide written notice to the Company describing the nature of the dispute and the relief sought. Such notice must be sent via email to [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS] or by certified mail to [INSERT MAILING ADDRESS].Upon receipt of such notice, the Company shall have sixty (60) days to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. The purchaser agrees to participate in good faith in any such resolution efforts. If the dispute is not resolved within the sixty (60) day period, either party may proceed with formal legal action in accordance with Section 16 (Governing Law and Venue) of these Terms. No legal proceeding may be commenced until the foregoing notice and cure period has been completed. Any claim brought without compliance with this Section 23 shall be subject to dismissal without prejudice. No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right, power, or remedy under these Terms shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power, or remedy. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or equity. The purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vatican Candle, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:(a) the purchaser's use of or participation in the service;(b) any content, name, intention, or message submitted by the purchaser, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, or infringement of third-party rights;(c) the purchaser's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Terms;(d) any dispute between the purchaser and a third party relating to the service; or(e) any violation of applicable law by the purchaser. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of these Terms and the completion of any service.
24. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
If a purchaser initiates a chargeback, payment dispute, or reversal of payment through their credit card issuer, bank, or payment processor, the Company reserves the right to:(a) suspend or terminate the purchaser's devotional coverage immediately upon notice of the dispute;(b) contest the chargeback and provide documentation supporting the validity of the transaction;(c) pursue collection of the disputed amount through lawful means, including but not limited to referral to a collections agency or initiation of legal proceedings;(d) recover from the purchaser any fees, costs, or expenses incurred by the Company as a result of the chargeback, including chargeback fees imposed by payment processors; and(e) permanently ban the purchaser from making future purchases. The purchaser acknowledges that initiating a chargeback does not relieve them of their obligations under these Terms, and that fraudulent or bad-faith chargebacks may constitute theft of services.
26. Gift Purchases and Third-Party Beneficiaries
Purchasers may submit names and intentions on behalf of third parties, including as gifts or memorials. In such cases:(a) The purchaser — not the named individual or intended recipient — is the contracting party and is solely bound by these Terms.(b) All rights regarding refunds, cancellations, disputes, and communications with the Company belong exclusively to the purchaser.(c) The purchaser represents that they have obtained any necessary consent from the named individual to submit their name and have it recited during a collective ceremony, or that the named individual is deceased or otherwise unable to provide such consent.(d) The named individual or recipient shall have no direct claim against the Company and is not a party to these Terms. Except as expressly stated herein, these Terms do not confer any rights, benefits, or remedies upon any person or entity other than the purchaser and the Company. There are no third-party beneficiaries to these Terms. The Company reserves the right to amend or update these Terms at any time. Revised Terms shall become effective immediately upon posting to the Company's website. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of any modifications. It is the purchaser's responsibility to review these Terms periodically.
27. Assignment
The Company may assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense any or all of its rights, obligations, or interests under these Terms, in whole or in part, to any person or entity at any time without notice to or consent from the purchaser. Such assignment may occur in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, reorganization, or any other corporate transaction or for any other reason. The purchaser may not assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense any of their rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of the Company. Any attempted assignment in violation of this Section shall be void and of no effect.
28. Limitation Period for Claims
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, OR THE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES. FAILURE TO BRING SUCH CLAIM WITHIN THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD SHALL RESULT IN THE PERMANENT WAIVER AND FORFEITURE OF SUCH CLAIM. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. For purposes of this Section, a claim shall be deemed to have accrued on the date of the act, omission, or event giving rise to the claim, or if later, the date on which the purchaser knew or reasonably should have known of the facts giving rise to the claim.
29. International Users and GDPR Compliance
The Company's services are operated from the United States. If you access or use the services from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws. For Users Located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland: The Company processes personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable data protection laws. The following supplemental terms apply: Legal Basis for Processing. The Company processes personal data on the following legal bases: Performance of Contract: Processing of names, contact information, and intentions is necessary to perform the service you have purchased. Legitimate Interests: Processing for fraud prevention, security, and improvement of services. Consent: Where required, you have consented to the ceremonial recitation of your name. Data Subject Rights. You have the right to: Access the personal data we hold about you; Rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal data; Request erasure of your personal data, subject to our legal retention obligations; Restrict or object to certain processing activities; Receive your personal data in a portable format; and Withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent. To exercise these rights, contact the Company at [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS]. The Company will respond to verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law. International Data Transfers. Personal data collected from users in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland may be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may not provide the same level of data protection as your home jurisdiction. By using the services, you consent to such transfers. The Company implements appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses where applicable, to protect transferred data. Data Retention. Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in these Terms, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Devotional records may be retained indefinitely for archival and ceremonial purposes. Supervisory Authority. If you are located in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, OR THE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES. FAILURE TO BRING SUCH CLAIM WITHIN THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD SHALL RESULT IN THE PERMANENT WAIVER AND FORFEITURE OF SUCH CLAIM. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. For purposes of this Section, a claim shall be deemed to have accrued on the date of the act, omission, or event giving rise to the claim, or if later, the date on which the purchaser knew or reasonably should have known of the facts giving rise to the claim.
30. California Consumer Disclosures
For Users Located in California: Automatic Renewal Disclosures (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600 et seq.): If the Company offers subscription-based services with automatic renewal: The subscription will continue and you will be charged the then-current price at each renewal period until you cancel. You may cancel your subscription at any time by contacting the Company at [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS] or through your account settings. Cancellation will be effective at the end of the current billing period; you will continue to have access to the service through the end of that period. No refunds will be provided for partial billing periods. The Company will provide you with a confirmation of your subscription and renewal terms at the time of purchase and will send a reminder before each renewal if required by law. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Notice: California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. The Company does not sell personal information. To exercise your rights under the CCPA, contact the Company at support@vaticancandle.com.
31. Modifications to Terms
The Company reserves the right to amend or update these Terms at any time. Revised Terms shall become effective immediately upon posting to the Company's website. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of any modifications. It is the purchaser's responsibility to review these Terms periodically.
By completing a purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
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