Jessie Taylor
The number of candles used during Eucharistic adoration is significant in the Catholic Church. Candles are used at every liturgical service and are considered signs of reverence and festivity. For exposition of the blessed sacrament in the ciborium, at least two candles should be lit, though four to six candles are preferable. The use of six candles during Eucharistic adoration evokes the highest perfection of worship, while seven candles are used when a bishop is celebrating Mass. The candles are traditionally made of beeswax, with the pure wax symbolizing the pure flesh of Christ.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum number of candles for Eucharistic adoration | 2 |
| Minimum number of candles for exposition of the blessed sacrament in the ciborium | 2 |
| Number of candles for solemn masses and Eucharistic adoration | 6 |
| Number of candles for sung masses | 4 |
| Number of candles for regular masses | 2 |
| Number of candles for pontifical high mass | 7 |
| Number of candles for requiem masses | 6 |
| Number of candles for liturgical services | 6 |
| Number of candles for mass celebrated by a bishop | 7 |
| Material for candles used at mass and liturgical functions | Beeswax |
| Material for candles during Advent and Lent | Unbleached wax |
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What You'll Learn
At least two candles are required for Eucharistic adoration
The number of candles required for Eucharistic adoration is steeped in Catholic tradition and liturgy. At least two candles are required for Eucharistic adoration, with the living flame of the candle symbolising the risen Christ. The candles are placed near the altar in the sanctuary area, and if there is limited space, they may be placed on the altar itself. The use of candles symbolises the transition from darkness into God's light, which is a central tenet of the Christian faith.
The number six is significant in the liturgy, with six candles often being used for Eucharistic adoration. This number is thought to evoke the highest perfection of worship, with three candles on either side of the altar. The number six is the sum of its aliquot parts, one, two and three, and each number represents the days assigned to the creation of spiritual and corporeal creatures, with three representing the work of adornment. This symbolism is thought to illustrate the importance of certain feast days and the splendour of the Liturgy.
The number of candles can vary depending on the type of Mass and the celebrant. For instance, seven candles are required for a Mass celebrated by a Bishop, with three on one side and four on the other. This is a reference to the seven-branched candelabrum that God instructed Moses to place in the sanctuary. The candles used at Mass and liturgical functions are traditionally made of beeswax, with the pure wax symbolising the pure flesh of Christ.
In some cases, fewer candles may be used. For instance, during Lent, there are often two candles on either side of the altar. Additionally, simple exposition of the Eucharist may require fewer ritual elements, and the use of incense is optional. However, it is considered a grievous offence to celebrate Mass without any light, and the Mass should be discontinued if candles cannot be lit or replaced.
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Beeswax candles are preferred for their symbolic meaning
Beeswax candles are deeply rooted in the Catholic Church's traditions and symbolism. They are preferred for their symbolic meaning, which is detailed and rich. The Church prescribes that candles used at Mass and other liturgical functions be made of beeswax. The pure wax produced by bees from flowers symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, received from the Virgin Mary. The wick of the candle represents Christ's soul, and the flame symbolises his divinity.
The use of beeswax is significant as the wax is considered the purest and sweetest, befitting the symbolism of Christ's humanity. The burning candle, with its sweet aroma, is also an aesthetic reminder of the presence of Christ. The candlelight symbolises Christ's presence and his declaration, "I am the light of the world". The light of the candle is also a symbol of truth, faith, wisdom, and divine life, among other virtues.
The use of candles in the Church has been criticised by some as being pagan or superstitious. However, the use of light in religious ceremonies is considered universal and a powerful symbol of mystical expression. The Church has recognised the value of candles in worship, and their ability to symbolise joy, optimism, goodness, and life, in opposition to darkness.
The number of candles used in Eucharistic adoration varies depending on the specific ritual and tradition. For instance, during the exposition of the blessed sacrament, at least two candles should be lit, and incense may be used. In a pontifical high Mass, seven candles are lit, with the seventh candle placed in the middle of the altar and slightly higher than the others.
The use of beeswax candles in the Catholic Church extends beyond their practical function, serving as a powerful symbol of Christ's presence, divinity, and humanity. The symbolism associated with beeswax candles has been developed and cherished over the centuries, forming an integral part of Catholic worship and tradition.
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Tallow, stearine, and paraffin candles are forbidden
For exposition in the ciborium, at least two candles should be lit. The paschal candle and the two candles used at Mass should be made of beeswax, with the other candles being predominantly beeswax. This is because the pure wax extracted by bees symbolises the pure flesh of Christ, the wick signifies his soul, and the flame represents his divinity.
The use of tallow, stearine, and paraffin candles is forbidden because they do not contain beeswax, and because of the unpleasant odour and toxicity associated with these materials. Tallow candles were banned by ordinance in several towns. Paraffin candles are not suitable for liturgical use due to the health hazards associated with burning them, as warned by the EPA. Stearine candles are also not suitable because of the vapours produced by the glycerin.
There are some exceptions to the rule prohibiting the use of tallow, stearine, and paraffin candles. In cases of necessity, Mass may be celebrated with tallow candles or oil lamps. The missionaries of Oceania are permitted to use sperm-whale candles due to the impossibility of obtaining wax candles.
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Six candles are lit for Eucharistic adoration
The number six is significant in the liturgy, too. Six is the sum of its aliquot parts, one, two, and three. One day is assigned to the formation of spiritual creatures, two to corporeal creatures, and three to the work of adornment. As such, the number six represents completeness and perfection. The arrangement of the candles in groups of three on each side evokes the highest perfection of worship, with adoration being the highest act of worship.
The use of six candles is also a way to illustrate the importance of certain feast days. The candles are signs of reverence and festivity, and they are to be used at every liturgical service. The living flame of the candle symbolises the risen Christ, reminding people that in baptism, they are brought out of darkness into God's light.
In some cases, fewer candles may be used. For instance, during Lent, there are usually two candles on either side of the altar. For simple exposition, fewer ritual requirements apply, and the blessed sacrament may be placed in the tabernacle at fixed hours. However, this may not be done more than twice a day.
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Seven candles are lit for a Mass celebrated by a Bishop
For Eucharistic adoration, at least two candles should be lit for exposition in the ciborium. However, the number of candles used during Mass can vary depending on the type of Mass and the celebrant. When a bishop celebrates Mass, seven candles are typically placed upon or near the altar, with the seventh candle being somewhat higher than the other six and placed in the middle. This custom was restored to the Roman liturgy in the late 13th century and was established by Cardinal Giacomo Stefaneschi, who observed that "when the Pope celebrates solemnly, seven candles must be placed upon the altar."
The use of seven candles during a bishop's Mass may be inspired by the seven lamps found in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 1, which symbolizes 'fullness' or 'completeness'. In Israelite culture, the number seven signifies a sense of completeness, and when a bishop celebrates the liturgy, it reflects the mystery of the Church of all God's holy people. Additionally, the custom may have been influenced by Roman traditions where high imperial officials were accompanied by torchbearers.
While the number of candles may vary, the material used for the candles holds symbolic significance. The Church prescribes that the candles be made of beeswax, symbolizing the pure flesh of Christ received from His Virgin Mother. The wick represents the soul of Christ, and the flame signifies His divinity. However, exceptions have been made for missionaries who cannot obtain wax candles, such as allowing the use of sperm-whale candles for missionaries in Oceania.
The placement of the candles during a bishop's Mass is also important. The seventh candle, being taller, is placed in the middle of the altar, with the altar crucifix moved slightly forward. The remaining six candles may accompany the thurible in front of the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer. Additionally, during the entrance procession, two candle bearers may accompany the processional cross, followed by six torch bearers.
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Frequently asked questions
A minimum of four candles are required for Eucharistic adoration, but six candles are preferable.
The Church prescribes that the candles used for Eucharistic adoration be made of beeswax.
The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolizes the pure flesh of Christ, the wick signifies the soul of Christ, and the flame represents His divinity.
