Candles in the Catholic Tradition
Upon entering a Catholic church, one of the first things any visitor will notice is the number of candles. There are several candles on the altar and at least one large bank of votive candles in front of a statue of Jesus, Mary, Joseph or one of the saints. Since the early days of the church, candles have been an important part of Catholic rituals.
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Altar Candles
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The number of candles on the altar varies according to the celebration. The number of lit candles on an altar during Mass depends upon the circumstances. Seven candles are lit during a pontifical high Mass in which a deacon or subdeacon provides assistance. The seventh candle is not lit for requiem Masses or other liturgical services. Six candles are used at solemn high Masses. Only four candles are lit for a high Mass where there is no deacon or subdeacon in service and for low Masses celebrated by a bishop. Low Mass celebrated by a priest requires two candles only. Lighting more than two candles for a low Mass is permissible when they are celebrated in conjunction with certain community or solemn feasts.
Votive Candles
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Votive candles are lit to support prayer requests. Catholics use votive candles to hold a vigil for the person lighting the candle or on behalf of another person, often to overcome a health challenge or a crisis of some sort. Votive candles are also used to hold the vision for a particular outcome, to satisfy a desire for something special or to fulfill a wish.
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What Are the Candles Made of?
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Only pure beeswax is used to make candles for Catholic churches. The candles used in Catholic churches are made of beeswax. This pure wax taken from flowers by bees is symbolic of Jesus' pure flesh inherited from the Virgin Mary. The soul of Christ is represented by the wick and his divinity is characterized by the flame. Candles made from tallow or paraffin are not allowed in Catholic rituals. White candles are used throughout the year, except during Holy Week, Good Friday and at funerals, when they are replaced by yellow, unbleached candles.
The Pascal Candle
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The paschal candle is a large white candle that is normally decorated with religious symbols. It is lit on Holy Saturday and is lit for every Mass until Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter Sunday. (
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References
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