Eusebius Vita Constant. Neither was the use of candles in the basilicas confined to those hours at which artificial light was necessary. Not to speak of the decree of the Spanish council at Elvira c. Jerome in answer declared that the candles were lighted when the Gospel was read, not indeed to put darkness to flight, but as a sign of joy.
Migne, P. This remark and the close association of lighted candles with the baptismal ceremony, which took place on Easter Eve and which no doubt occasioned the description of that sacrament as photismos illumination , shows that the Christian symbolism of blessed candles was already making itself felt at that early date. This conclusion is further confirmed by the language of the Exultet , still used in our day on Holy Saturday q.
It is highly probable that St. Jerome himself composed such a proeconium paschale see Morin in Revue Benedictine, January, , and in this the idea of the supposed virginity of bees is insisted on, and the wax is therefore regarded as typifying in a most appropriate way the flesh of Jesus Christ born of a virgin mother. From this has sprung the further conception that the wick symbolizes more particularly the soul of Jesus Christ and the flame the Divinity which absorbs and dominates both.
This symbolism we may say is still accepted in the Church at large. Besides the use at baptism and at funerals St. Cyprian in was buried praelucentibus cereis , we learn from the so-called Fourth Council of Carthage, really a synod held in Southern Gaul c. The usage is observed to the present day. These candles were placed upon the pavement of the sanctuary and not until much later upon the altars.
Still the practice of setting candles upon the table of the altar itself seems to be somewhat older than the twelfth century. The lighting of six candles upon the altar is now enjoined for every high Mass, four at every Missa Cantata , or for the private Mass of a bishop on festivals, and two for all other Masses.
Still a certain freedom is left of lighting more candles on occasions of solemnity. Six candles should also be lighted at Vespers and Lauds when the Office is sung on great feasts, but on less solemn occasions two or four suffice.
You'll find altar candles are lighted for mass as well as during the seven sacraments. These sacraments include the Eucharist, marriage, confirmation, baptism, anointing of the sick, holy orders ordaining of a priest, deacon, or bishop , and penance. Some Catholic churches have bye-altars, which are side-altars much smaller and less prominent than the high altar central altar.
Religious statues are often placed in front of the bye-altar. These are traditionally statues of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary, and saints specific to a current church holy day.
Candles are lit and set in front of these statues during these church holiday seasons or holy days. Catholics use candles at home to celebrate holy holidays. Advent wreaths are used in Catholic homes, with the family lighting the candles in prayer and observance of the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Another wreath commonly used is the Lenten wreath or cross that is lighted during the weeks preceding Easter. There are several types of candles used in Catholic religious practices. Each candle plays a specific role in various worship practices. The votive candle is found in candle racks. These are the candles that Catholics light for individual prayers.
Taper candles are lit during mass and other church rites and celebrations. A smaller taper known as congregational tapers are used by individuals during the Easter Vigil Services as well as other worship ceremonies.
Tapers taken home on Candlemas Day and are referred to as Candlemas candles. The candles are representative of when Christ entered the temple of Jerusalem.
Candles are used since Christ is the Light of the world. Glass sanctuary candles are burned day and night during the Blessed Sacrament. These candles are usually contained in a red glass jar. The glass sanctuary candle signifies Christ's love and are symbols of love and adoration for the savior.
The Paschal candle is a large column candle that is supported by an equally large candlestick. It is lit during Easter Mass and then used throughout the calendar year for various sacred services, such as confirmations, baptisms, and funerals. The Paschal candle is replaced every Easter. There are many reasons why Catholics light candles. It is through the Catholic religious practices that the symbolism of a lighted candle is revealed with the one overriding reason that the candle signifies God's eternal Light.
Practices and Symbolism Catholic candles represent the eternal light of God. Why Do Catholics Light Candles? As you can imagine, these numbers represent a lot of work.
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