Mass Ceremonial use of lights

candles burning in kraków after death of pope john paul ii.

at every liturgical service, , @ mass , @ choir services, there must @ least 2 lighted tapers on altar, symbols of presence @ mass of god , tributes of adoration. mass rule there 6 lights @ high mass, 4 @ missa cantata, , 2 @ private masses. @ pontifical high mass (i.e. when bishop celebrates) lights seven, because 7 golden candlesticks surround risen saviour, chief bishop of church (see rev. i. 12). @ pontifical functions, moreover, bishop representative of christ preceded acolyte burning candle (bugia) on candlestick. ceremoniale episcoporum (i. 12) further orders burning lamp hang @ times before each altar, 3 in front of high altar, , 5 before reserved sacrament, symbols of eternal presence. in practice, however, usual have 1 altar lamp lighted before tabernacle in host reserved. special symbol of real presence of christ sanctus candle, lighted @ moment of consecration , kept burning until communion. same symbolism intended lighted tapers must accompany host whenever carried in procession, or sick , dying.

as symbols of light , joy, candle held on each side of deacon when reading gospel @ mass; , same symbolism underlies multiplication of lights on festivals, number varying importance of occasion. number of these latter no rule laid down. differ liturgical lights in that, whereas these must tapers of pure beeswax or lamps fed pure olive oil (except special dispensation under circumstances), used merely add splendour celebration may of material; exception being, in decoration of altar, gas-lights forbidden.

in general ceremonial use of lights in roman catholic church conceived dramatic representation in fire of life of christ , of whole scheme of salvation. on easter eve new fire, symbol of light of newly risen christ, produced, , kindled lights used throughout christian year until, in gathering darkness (tenebrae) of passion, gradually extinguished. quenching of light of world symbolized @ service of tenebrae in holy week placing on stand before altar of thirteen lighted tapers arranged pyramidally, rest of church being in darkness. penitential psalms sung, , @ end of each candle extinguished. when central 1 left taken down , carried behind altar, symbolizing nocturnal darkness, our hearts illumined invisible fire, &c. (missale rom.). in form blessing of candles diem purificationis b. mariae virg. virtue of consecrated candles in discomfiting demons specially brought out: in whatever places may lighted, or placed, princes of darkness may depart, , tremble, , may fly terror-stricken ministers habitations, nor presume further disquiet , molest serve thee, almighty god (rituale rom.)

altar candlesticks consist of 5 parts: foot, stem, knob in centre, bowl catch drippings, , pricket (a sharp point on candle fixed). permissible use long tube, pointed imitate candle, in small taper forced top spring (cong. rit., tith may i&78).