My passion for candles and scent, led me to create the Holy Smoke, eco- friendly range of candles. Saint Philomena is the figure depicted on the candle labels. Her name Philomena means “daughter of light.” I didn’t know this when i chose her image, so it seems something was pointing me in the right direction. Alongside the environmentally friendly nature of the candles, I wanted something that has the ability to also support communities.

The easiest way for to do this is by donating a portion of every candle sold to charity. Candles cost $20 for the nativity candle ; $25 for Our lady pillar candle and $30 for the jar candle: They come unscented as well as scented in Floral , Household linen and a Christmas scent . Please purchase from the SMOA office or order online by emailing  holysmokecandlesnz@gmail.com. I hope you love these candles as much as I do.—Mary Walsh