Different cultures and different religions have contrasting values and modes of worship. Catholic churches are built in a traditional pattern that has existed for over a thousand years. San Xavier del Bac was constructed on the common cruciform groundplan with an atrium (courtyard), narthex (vestibule), central nave with aisles, a bema for the clergy extending into a transept, and an exedra or semi-circular apse. At each side of the bema, at the transept there are two chapels at either end. Wikipedia. The Church faces south so this is the East Chapel with a representation of the Virgin Mary. In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are placed before a statue of Jesus or of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Often, in older or traditional churches, this will be before a side altar. Candles used may vary from long, taper-type candles to tealight candles. Tealight candles are either placed in holders or just on a platform in front of the statue. Long candles may be placed in a special holder. Candles are lit for prayer intentions. To "light a candle for someone" indicates one's intention to say a prayer for another person, and the candle symbolizes that prayer. A donation box intended to defer candle costs generally accompanies votive candles. In some churches, the donation is considered a mandatory contribution in exchange for lighting a candle. Wikipedia.
A visit to San Xavier del Bac is not only a visit to a historic building, but also a visit to a living, operating Catholic Church.
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