Jessie Taylor
The number of candles used at Mass varies depending on the type of Mass being celebrated. In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar, with a minimum of two candlesticks with lit candles. The number of candles can increase to four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or Holy Day of Obligation. When a bishop celebrates Mass, seven candles are used, with the seventh candle placed in the middle of the altar, slightly higher than the other six. The use of candles in Catholic liturgy serves both practical and symbolic purposes, representing the light of Christ and adding a festive character to the celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | At least 2, but 4 or 6 for Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation. 7 candles are used when a bishop celebrates Mass. |
| Candle material | Beeswax |
| Candle colour | White, but gilded and painted candles are permitted under certain restrictions |
| Candle placement | On or beside the altar |
| Symbolism | The light of Christ, the pure flesh of Christ, the soul of Christ, and His divinity |
| Other uses | Excommunications, the reconciling of penitents, the rite of dedication of a church, the blessing of cemeteries, and the Offertory of an ordination Mass |
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What You'll Learn
Beeswax candles
When using beeswax candles, it is important to follow certain guidelines. Before lighting, the wick should be trimmed to approximately 1/4 inch to promote a clean and controlled burn. The candle should be allowed to burn for long enough for the melted wax pool to reach near the edge of the candle during each use, and it should be kept away from drafts. When snuffing the candle, carefully lower the bell of the snuffer over the flame, and do not touch the candle or follower.
For Mass, the number of candles varies. At a solemn high Mass, six candles are lit, while at a high Mass, at least four candles are required. At a low Mass celebrated by a bishop, four candles are usually lit, and two for all other Masses. However, on occasions of solemnity, more candles may be lit.
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Symbolism of candles
The use of candles during Mass in the Catholic Church is steeped in symbolism. The candles used during Mass are typically made of beeswax, symbolising the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary. The wick of the candle represents the soul of Christ, while the flame symbolises his divinity.
The symbolism of light has long been used in religious practice. In the Catholic Church, light is associated with Christ, who referred to himself as the "light of the world". St. John's Gospel also connects Christ with light in John 1:4: "In him was life; and the life was the light of men". The candles used during Mass are a reminder of the persecuted Christians in the first centuries who secretly celebrated Mass at night or in the catacombs by candlelight.
The number of candles lit during Mass also holds symbolic significance. For example, at a solemn high Mass, when the celebrant is assisted by a deacon and subdeacon, six candles are lit. At a high Mass, which is celebrated without the assistance of a deacon and subdeacon, at least four candles are required, although six may be lit. At a pontifical high Mass, celebrated by the ordinary, seven candles are lit, with the seventh candle somewhat higher than the others and placed in the middle of the altar.
In addition to their symbolic value, candles also serve a practical purpose during Mass. The number of lit candles on the altar indicates which Mass is being celebrated or who the main celebrant is. For instance, during a Missa Cantata, four candles are lit, while six candles are lit during a high Mass.
The use of candles during Mass is also linked to the concept of light as a symbol of God's presence. In the Bible, God instructs Moses to build a portable Tabernacle with a Brazen Altar for sacrifices. God specifies that a perpetual fire must be maintained at the altar, signifying God's constant devotion and presence. Similarly, in Judaism, a perpetual light was kept burning in the Temple and synagogues to signify God's presence.
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Number of candles
The number of candles used at Mass varies depending on the type of Mass being celebrated and the specific traditions and practices of the church or diocese in question. Here is a detailed breakdown of the number of candles typically used in different contexts:
In the Catholic Church, the number of candles used can vary depending on the type of Mass and the specific liturgical traditions being followed. Here are some common scenarios:
- High Mass or Pontifical High Mass: This is a solemn Mass celebrated by a bishop or a priest with the assistance of a deacon and subdeacon. According to various sources, six candles are typically lighted for a High Mass. However, some traditions, especially when a bishop is celebrating, may use seven candles.
- Missa Cantata or High Mass without Deacon and Subdeacon: For this type of Mass, which is celebrated without the assistance of a deacon and subdeacon, at least four candles are required. However, six candles may also be lighted.
- Low Mass: At a Low Mass celebrated by any bishop, four candles are typically lighted.
- Ordinary Masses: For regular Masses that are not considered High or Low Masses, two candles are typically used. However, some sources suggest that four or six candles may be used, especially for a Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation.
The use of candles varies across different Christian traditions, and while some may follow similar practices to the Catholic Church, others have their own unique traditions:
- Anglican and Methodist Churches: These traditions typically use two candles on the altar, symbolizing Jesus' dual nature as both human and divine.
- Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA: Churches in this tradition typically use tall, thin candles made of beeswax and stearine. The number of candles can vary, but they often use two standards on the pavement or four if the sanctuary is large enough.
Symbolic and Practical Considerations
The number of candles and their placement are not just practical considerations but also hold symbolic significance. Candles are often made of beeswax, symbolizing the pure flesh of Christ, with the wick representing His soul and the flame His divinity. The light of the candles represents the light of Christ among the faithful, and their natural beauty is believed to have a spiritual impact on the congregation.
Additionally, the lighting and extinguishing of candles follow specific orders, such as lighting from right to left and extinguishing from left to right, ensuring that the Gospel side candle is never burning alone.
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Candle placement
The placement of candles during Mass is an important aspect of liturgical ceremonies, with specific instructions outlined by the Church. Here is a detailed guide on candle placement for different types of Masses:
High Mass:
At a solemn high Mass, where the celebrant is assisted by a deacon and subdeacon, six candles are typically lighted. This tradition is believed to have originated from the practice of incensing the altar, where the celebrant uses three swings of the censer on each side. While this is not expressly prescribed in the rubrics, it is deduced from the description of altar incensing.
Missa Cantata:
For a Missa Cantata, or a high Mass celebrated without the deacon and subdeacon, at least four candles are required. However, six candles may also be lighted. In this type of Mass, the two lighted candles prescribed by the Missal to be placed beside a cross are not necessary.
Low Mass:
During a low Mass celebrated by a bishop, four candles are usually lighted. While this is the common practice, it is worth noting that the "Caeremoniale Episcoporum" also provides guidance on candle usage for this type of Mass.
Pontifical High Mass:
At a pontifical high Mass, seven candles are lighted, with the seventh candle placed in the middle of the altar, slightly higher than the other six. This practice is in line with the tradition where the Roman pontiff was preceded by seven acolytes carrying candles.
Bishop's Mass:
When a bishop celebrates Mass, seven candles are typically placed upon the altar. This custom was firmly established by Cardinal Giacomo Stefaneschi in the late 13th century and continues to be observed today.
Ordinary Form:
The ordinary form, as outlined in the Ceremonial of Bishops, allows for more flexibility. It permits the placement of candles near the altar, not just upon it. The number of candles can range from two to seven, and they may be carried by acolytes as part of the entrance procession.
Altar Candles:
Altar candles are an essential part of the liturgy and are typically placed on or near the altar. They may be set directly on the altar or placed in tall stands to the side or behind it. The candles are secured in candle holders, such as candlesticks, to ensure safety and prevent wax dripping.
Symbolism:
The use of candles during Mass holds symbolic significance. The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers is said to symbolize the pure flesh of Christ, with the wick representing His soul and the flame His divinity. The natural beauty and light of the candles are believed to have a spiritual impact on the faithful, reminding them of the presence of Christ.
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Candle lighting
The Catholic Church prescribes the use of candles at Mass, with specific instructions for their number, placement, and composition. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) states that "the candles, which are required at every liturgical service out of reverence and on account of the festiveness of the celebration, are to be appropriately placed either on or around the altar".
The number of candles lit during Mass can vary depending on the type of Mass being celebrated. For a pontifical high Mass, seven candles are typically lit, with the seventh candle placed in the middle of the altar, slightly higher than the other six. At a solemn high Mass, when the celebrant is assisted by a deacon and subdeacon, six candles are usually lit. For a high Mass or missa cantata, at least four candles are required, although six may be lit. At a low Mass celebrated by a bishop, four candles are typically used, although six may also be appropriate. For all other Masses, two candles are generally used.
The placement of the candles is also significant. The candles are usually placed on or next to the altar, often in candlesticks or tall stands. In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, candles are required to be placed on or beside the altar for the celebration of Mass. The GIRM specifies that "the altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. In addition, on or next to the altar are to be placed candlesticks with lighted candles: at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation". The candles are lit and extinguished in a specific order, with the Gospel side candle never burning alone. The candles are lit from right to left and extinguished from left to right.
The composition of the candles is also important. The Church has traditionally used candles made of beeswax, which symbolically represents the pure flesh of Christ received from His Virgin Mother. The wick signifies the soul of Christ, while the flame represents His divinity. While beeswax is preferred, other materials may be used in part, as long as the candles are primarily made of beeswax. The colour of the candles is typically white, although gilded and painted candles are permitted under certain restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
A minimum of two candles are required at Mass. However, four or six candles are often used, especially for a Sunday Mass or Holy Day of Obligation. When a bishop celebrates Mass, seven candles are used.
The candles used at Mass are typically made of beeswax. The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, the wick symbolises his soul, and the flame represents his divinity.
Candles have been used at Mass for centuries and hold symbolic value. They represent the light of Christ and are also used to add a festive character to the celebration.
Yes, there are altar candles, which are placed on or near the altar, and paschal candles, which are often used during Easter Vigil.
