Prayer Candle of Apartment 226

The prayer candle of Apartment 226 (PCOA226) is the Catholic prayer candle actively being burned by residents of Apartment 226. The prayer candle is the most highly regarded candle in the apartment and holds life tenure in the position.

Selection process
There is no formalized procedure for selection of a candle to become the prayer candle of Apartment 226. Candles are generally selected by Matthew Po, who slates a candle for office by purchasing it at Walmart. All candles have been selected in this way, with one notable exception. Gatorloop Candle was gifted to Marik Itkin by Christoyam for Christmas in 2019 and took office in February of the following year.

Inauguration
The inauguration of the prayer candle of Apartment 226 occurs immediately after the termination of office for its predecessor. Prior to the inauguration ceremony, the candle that is about to assume office is placed in the center of the apartment dining table. Matthew begins the ceremony in the kitchen, where he holds a lighter straight upwards with both hands in front of his face. The ceremony begins when the "Memorial Acclamation" is played from the electric piano in the apartment's dining area, at which point Matthew ignites the lighter and begins a solitary procession toward the candle. Upon reaching the candle, Matthew stands still in front of it until the last chord of the hymn, at which point he lowers the flame to the wick of the candle and lights it. At the moment that the wick catches flame, the candle officially takes office as prayer candle of Apartment 226. It is customary for Matthew to recite the prayer inscribed on the candle, typically in Spanish and English (if these translations are provided).