Brooke Martin
The placement of candles in churches varies, with some placing two candles by the altar and one by the ambo, while others place four or six candles on or near the altar. The ambo, or ambon, is a semicircular piece in front of the iconostasis, where the Gospel is proclaimed, litanies are chanted, and the final blessing is given. The Introduction to the Lectionary recommends that the design of the altar and ambo have a harmonious and close relationship. While candles are important in Christian liturgy, there is no requirement for a permanent candle by the ambo. The only candles mentioned in the Church's texts are those carried by ministers during processes and those accompanying the proclamation of the Gospels and the Easter candle.
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What You'll Learn
- Candles are used in the Entrance Procession and there must be at least two at every Mass
- Candles are placed on or by the altar during the Entrance Procession
- Candles are lit by the Blessed Sacrament
- Candles are placed near the ambo during the Gospel reading
- Candles are transferred from the ambo to the altar at the offertory
Candles are used in the Entrance Procession and there must be at least two at every Mass
The use of candles in the Entrance Procession is a well-established practice in many churches. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal outlines specific norms for candle usage during the Celebration of the Mass, including the requirement of at least two lit candles at every Mass. These candles are placed on or by the altar during the Entrance Procession and are then processed with the Book of the Gospels to the ambo during the Gospel Acclamation.
The living flame of the candle holds symbolic significance, representing the risen Christ. It serves as a reminder of the baptismal rite, where individuals are brought out of darkness into God's light. This symbolism extends to the celebration of the Eucharist, where candles are appropriately carried in the Entrance Procession and during the procession with the Book of the Gospels.
The number of candles used can vary depending on the occasion. While a minimum of two candles are required for every Mass, four or six candles are preferred for the celebration of Mass and the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. When the bishop of the diocese celebrates, the number of candles may increase to seven.
The placement of candles is carefully considered to ensure they complement the ritual actions. Candles placed in floor-standing bases or on the altar are arranged to avoid obscuring the view of the sanctuary and the actions at the altar. The Introduction to the Lectionary emphasises the harmonious relationship between the altar and the ambo, ensuring accessibility for all, including those with physical disabilities.
While some churches have adopted unique practices, such as transferring candles from the ambo to the altar during the offertory, the presence of candles near the ambo is not a permanent fixture in Roman-rite liturgical practice. The ambo candles are typically associated with the proclamation of the Gospels and the Easter candle, and their use may vary among different liturgical traditions, such as the Byzantine tradition.
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Candles are placed on or by the altar during the Entrance Procession
The placement of candles in churches during the Entrance Procession is steeped in tradition and symbolism. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal outlines specific norms for the use of candles during the celebration of Mass. According to the GIRM, candles should always be used in the Entrance Procession, and there must be a minimum of two candles lit at every Mass. These candles are placed on or by the altar during the procession and remain lit throughout the celebration.
The altar is to be covered with a white cloth, and candlesticks with lighted candles are placed on or next to it. The number of candles can vary, with a minimum of two for any celebration, and four or six candles for a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. The lighting of four or six candles also holds symbolic significance, illustrating the importance of certain feast days and Eucharistic adoration.
The living flame of the candle is a powerful symbol of the risen Christ. It serves as a reminder of baptism, representing the transition from darkness into God's light. The candles accompanying the Entrance Procession and the Book of Gospels emphasise the importance of the proclamation of the word of God. The Introduction to the Lectionary recommends a harmonious relationship between the design of the altar and the ambo, reflecting the unity between word and Eucharist.
While some churches place two candles by the altar and one by the ambo, the presence of candles near the ambo is not a part of Roman-rite liturgical practice. In the Byzantine tradition, the ambo is considered part of the altar and is placed in front of the Holy Doors of the iconostasis. The only candles envisaged near the ambo are those accompanying the proclamation of the Gospels and the Easter candle.
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Candles are lit by the Blessed Sacrament
The use of candles in Christian liturgy is steeped in symbolism and tradition. The living flame of a candle is symbolic of the risen Christ, reminding the faithful that through baptism, they are brought out of darkness into God's marvellous light. Candles are used in various liturgical services, processions, and ceremonies, and their placement holds significance.
While the placement of candles may vary among different churches and traditions, the discussion surrounding the ambo, a semicircular structure from which the Gospel is proclaimed, has sparked interest. Some churches have adopted the practice of placing candles by the ambo, while others argue for their removal.
The sources consulted provide insights into the varying perspectives on candles by the ambo. Some churches light candles by the ambo during the Liturgy of the Word, later transferring them to the altar during the offertory. This practice underscores the importance of both the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist.
However, the Introduction to the Lectionary, which emphasizes the harmonious relationship between the altar and the ambo, notably does not mention permanent candles by the ambo. The only candles envisaged near the ambo are those accompanying the proclamation of the Gospels and the Easter candle. This perspective is further supported by the Byzantine tradition, where the ambo is considered part of the altar and placed in front of the Holy Doors of the iconostasis.
Despite the varying practices, there is a consensus that candles should be lit by the Blessed Sacrament, whether it is located in the Tabernacle or elsewhere. This practice ensures that the presence of Christ is acknowledged and revered.
In conclusion, while the use of candles in Christian liturgy is steeped in symbolism and tradition, the placement of candles by the ambo remains a subject of discussion. The decision to light candles by the ambo varies among churches, with some advocating for their removal to avoid confusion and maintain liturgical unity. Nonetheless, the lighting of candles by the Blessed Sacrament remains a consistent practice.
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Candles are placed near the ambo during the Gospel reading
The placement of candles in churches varies according to different traditions and practices. The Introduction to the Lectionary recommends that the design of the altar and ambo should bear a "harmonious and close relationship" to emphasise the relationship between word and Eucharist. The text, however, does not refer to permanent fixtures but to candles carried by ministers. Candles are signs of reverence and festivity and are used at every liturgical service. The living flame symbolises the risen Christ and reminds people that in baptism they are brought out of darkness into God's light.
For the celebration of the Eucharist, it is appropriate to carry candles in the entrance procession and during the procession with the Book of the Gospels. At least two candles are placed near the altar in the sanctuary area. Four or six candles may be used for the celebration of Mass and for the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. If the bishop of the diocese celebrates, seven candles may be used. Candles should be arranged so they do not obscure the view of the ritual action in the sanctuary.
The ambo is a semicircular piece jutting out from the centre of the raised walkway in front of the iconostasis. It is from here that the Gospel is proclaimed. The only time candle stands are seen by the ambo is when there are icons nearby, and the candles are lit in devotion to the icon. Some churches place two candles by the altar and one by the ambo. This practice is meant to highlight the importance of both the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist. Some churches transfer the candles from the ambo to the altar at the offertory, while others process the candles from the altar to the ambo during the Gospel reading and then back again after the reading has concluded.
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Candles are transferred from the ambo to the altar at the offertory
The ambo, or ambon, is a semicircular piece jutting out from the centre of the raised walkway (the solea) in front of the iconostasis. It is from here that the Gospel is proclaimed, litanies are chanted by the deacon, and the priest gives the final blessing. The design of the ambo and its prominent placement reflect the dignity and nobility of the word of God. The Christian community encounters the living Lord in the word of God and prepares for the 'breaking of the bread' and the mission to live the proclaimed word. An ample area around the ambo is needed for a Gospel procession with ministers bearing candles and incense.
The Introduction to the Lectionary recommends that the design of the altar and ambo should bear a harmonious and close relationship to emphasise the relationship between word and Eucharist. The text foresees candles carried by ministers but makes no reference to permanent fixtures. Candles are signs of reverence and festivity and are used at every liturgical service. The living flame of the candle is symbolic of the risen Christ, reminding people that in baptism they are brought out of darkness into God's marvellous light.
For the celebration of the Eucharist, it is appropriate to carry candles in the entrance procession and during the procession with the Book of the Gospels. At least two candles are placed near the altar in the sanctuary area. If there is limited space, they may be placed on the altar. Four to six candles may be used for the celebration of Mass and for the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Candles placed in floor-standing bases or on the altar should be arranged so they do not obscure the view of the ritual action, especially at the altar.
Some churches place two candles by the altar and one by the ambo. The practice of transferring candles from the ambo to the altar at the offertory is intriguing and likely highlights the importance of both the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist. This practice is observed in a few churches, and some also process candles from the altar to the ambo during the Gospel reading and then back again after the reading concludes.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no requirement for any permanent candle by the ambo. The only candles used near the ambo are those accompanying the proclamation of the Gospels and the Easter candle.
Candles are signs of reverence and festivity and are used at every liturgical service. The living flame of the candle is symbolic of the risen Christ and reminds people that in baptism they are brought out of darkness into God's marvellous light.
Some churches place two candles by the altar and one by the ambo. Others transfer the candles from the ambo to the altar at the offertory, while some process candles from the altar to the ambo during the Gospel reading and then back again after the reading concludes.
