I would be most excited if anyone gets the title of today’s post.Today we have a look at the candles that are lit at the altar for mass. These candles are not optional and must be lit before the mass begins. Once again, they represent Christ who is the Light of the World and also add “reverence” and “festiveness” to the celebration. The GIRM does not prescribe of what materials these candles may be made as it did for the Sanctuary Lamp, but the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops have. They must be made of wax and expressly banned are imitations candles, “forever” candles, electric candles, and interestingly if I read it correctly (you can check it out here) candles used for devotions (vigil candles) are likewise banned. Here’s the rule: in the interest of symbolism and authenticity it must be a wax candlestick. Period. (I wish we could do the same for “fake instruments.” But that’s just me.)
The “mass candles” must be in direct relation to the altar of celebration. That is, one cannot be placed by the altar and another dramatically on the steps, and another by the ambo, etc. . . They are to be on or near in the altar so that the connection is clearly seen (and also so that the view of the people is not obstructed.)
There is no longer a rule about how many candles there should be beyond this: There are to be, “at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. If a diocesan Bishop celebrates, then seven candles should be used.” (GIRM 117) Note that the wording of the GIRM is very deliberate. Words like should are not picked lightly. So two is the minimum. But seven would be simply swell and preferred if the bishop were present, but if you cannot swing it, Oh well.
Before the reform of the liturgy the rules were a little more stringent but as you can see they are quite relaxed now though many people still employ the symbolism: 2 for daily mass, 4 for Sundays, 6 for major feasts, and seven for when the bishop comes a calling.
11 comments:
Regarding your title - doesn't it have something to do with Holy Hour? LM
(I think I remember reading that somewhere - but for the life of me I can't remember where).
No. . .
Okay - a hint.
It has to do with the Latin root of the word sincere.
Does it have to do with purity?
MJ
You're on the trail MJ
Is it saying no coloured-wax candle (as MJ says, because they are to denote purity)? And/or because sincerity is nice, but is actually more promissory than true?
(Carol)
Wow,
Carol if I thought you were a deep thinker before . . .
But no. It is a little more bland than that.
"Sin" = without
"Cere" = Wax
Well done Buffalo!
(I can't beleive Rob didn't jump on this one.)
When columns were quarried if there was a defect it would be filled with wax. Those that came out perfectly (and were likewise worth much more) were marked "sine cera" or "without wax".
The convoluted title of this post is NO "WITHOUT WAX" CANDLES
Again, well done!
While it was not needed - no hints before noon! Let 'em struggle for a bit! :-)
Well done, and interesting! And I'm often deep in something, but it's usually not thinking! Thank you for making an old lady smile, and for teaching us our own heritage. It's neat to learn about all our rich symbolism--bells, candles, windows, vestment items, etc.
You are most cordially welcome!
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