Praised Bee

Martin Marklin took up beekeeping as a sideline to his main business producing thousands of hand-carved liturgical candles each year at the Marklin Candle workshop in Contoocook, New Hampshire. Beekeeping became its own vocation, however, and the more Marklin learned about the life of bees, the more he saw the ways in which the beehive reflects the early church.

Praised Bee

Marklin Candle's 'Praised Bee' publication asks us to consider our own practices and stewardship in light of Pope Francis' recent papal encyclical 'LAUDATO SI', On Care for our Common Home'. View our 'Canticle of Brother Sun & Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi' prayer card here.  


 Martin G. Marklin Beekeeping

Photo courtesy of Casey Atkins

When liturgical candle maker Martin Marklin became curious about the creatures making the wax he used in his business, he found his life and work transformed. In this 5-minute video, Marklin explains what bees can teach us about living as Christians.

The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others. -- St. John Chrysostom

While on retreat, Pastoral Ministers from Duke Divinity Leadership Education program visited Marklin Candle to learn about the bees. The leaders of the program were moved to have the following 'Be the Bee' video produced and shared on their Faith & Leadership forum.