Meaning of Four vs. Two Candles Around the Altar

[in_servitude]

I noticed today that we had only two candles around the altar when we normally have four. I assume it has something to do with Lent. Can someone tell me what the meaning of having four candles around the altar is? And, what is the meaning of two candles around the altar?

Thanks!!

 

[Leon_Bloy]

Was it the Novus Ordo mass (the Ordinary Form - most common today) or the older form of the mass, in Latin, etc. (Extraordinary/Tridentine)?

In the older form, it’s two candles for a “low” (briefer, simpler, quieter) mass, and six for a “high” (more music, incense, longer prayers, etc.) mass.

I don’t know why there were four. I don’t think there is a limit on them as long as you always have two.

 

[marytk]

At our Church we use four for Sundays and Feasts, six for Solemnities and two for daily Masses. We had 2 for the early Mass on Ash Wednesday. (that is the one I was sacristan for).

But, I could see a Church going from four to two for Lent. We don’t have flowers in the church. So this could be another way of making it simpler)

 

[in_servitude]

It’s Novus Ordo mass.

Daily mass is low, the Sunday mass is high.

There is usually always 4 candles regardless of it being high or low. But, today, we had only 2 candles. I’m sure there is meaning to this.

5 years ago before our current priest, had only 2 candles near the front of the altar, but not on the corners. With our current priest, it went to 4 candles - but the candles are placed at the 4 corners of the altar.

The two candles not are not at the corners, but are along the side near the front of the altar.

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

It’s Novus Ordo mass.

Daily mass is low,** the Sunday mass is high.**

There is usually always 4 candles regardless of it being high or low. But, today, we had only 2 candles. I’m sure there is meaning to this.

5 years ago before our current priest, had only 2 candles near the front of the altar, but not on the corners. With our current priest, it went to 4 candles - but the candles are placed at the 4 corners of the altar.

The two candles not are not at the corners, but are along the side near the front of the altar.

It was my understanding that there is no “high Mass” in the Ordinary Form, at least in the sense that term was used with respect to the Mass pre-Vatican II. Or am I mistaken?

 

[in_servitude]

It was my understanding that there is no “high Mass” in the Ordinary Form, at least in the sense that term was used with respect to the Mass pre-Vatican II. Or am I mistaken?

OK - sorry - I made some assumptions here. I thought “high Mass” was when there was music, more readings, more processions - but now that you point this out, I can see that there is really no difference from what is happening. I’ve heard the terms “high Mass” and “low Mass”, and I just figured that was the difference between daily Mass and Sunday Mass. My Bad!

 

[YoungTradCath]

There is no real meaning of four versus two versus six candles on an altar where the NO is being said. It is entirely at the discretion of the priest. In the EF, two indicate a low mass, four indicate a missa cantata, six indicate a solemn high mass, and seven indicate a solemn pontifical high mass. A seventh may also be added in the NO for a similar mass (celebrated by a bishop), but I have very rarely seen it.

When candle rules weren’t so lax all around, there was no difference season to season.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

There is no real meaning of four versus two versus six candles on an altar where the NO is being said. It is entirely at the discretion of the priest. In the EF, two indicate a low mass, four indicate a missa cantata, six indicate a solemn high mass, and seven indicate a solemn pontifical high mass. A seventh may also be added in the NO for a similar mass (celebrated by a bishop), but I have very rarely seen it.

When candle rules weren’t so lax all around, there was no difference season to season.

Back before the OF was introduced we had two candles, adjacent to the tabernacle, for low mass. For “High Mass” [Missa Cantata] the six tall candles on the back of the altar were also lit. [From my experience standing on tiptoe trying to reach them ] Of course, the new altars don’t have that high back, but you will see them in older pictures.

 

[superamazingman]

There is no real meaning of four versus two versus six candles on an altar where the NO is being said. It is entirely at the discretion of the priest. In the EF, two indicate a low mass, four indicate a missa cantata, six indicate a solemn high mass, and seven indicate a solemn pontifical high mass. A seventh may also be added in the NO for a similar mass (celebrated by a bishop), but I have very rarely seen it.

When candle rules weren’t so lax all around, there was no difference season to season.

You’d never guess it, but the 7th candle is actually required for any bishop celebrating in his own diocese.

 

[YoungTradCath]

You’d never guess it, but the 7th candle is actually required for any bishop celebrating in his own diocese.

In the OF???

 

[corsair]

Yes, in the OF. However, I have never seen it done in our Archdiocese. Just yesterday I was looking online for the rubrics regarding numbers of candles and I found some info on the four candle arrangement. I’ll try and find it again and link you to it.

 

[superamazingman]

In the OF???

Yep. Note the lack of “if” “may” or “when suitable.”

1. 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 holyday of obligation, or if the Diocesan bishop celebrates, then seven candlesticks with lighted candles.

 

[YoungTradCath]

Well I know it can be done but if there’s no “must,” then very few are going to do it.

 

[corsair]

I found my source for candle info; newadvent.org/cathen/01347a.htm

Try and convince your priest that here is the correct information. Like trying to tell another hunter how to hunt.

 

[Leon_Bloy]

Yes, in the OF. However, I have never seen it done in our Archdiocese. Just yesterday I was looking online for the rubrics regarding numbers of candles and I found some info on the four candle arrangement. I’ll try and find it again and link you to it.

I have seen it done.

 

[puppypatrol]

Actually, the number of candles on or around the altar depends on the preference of the pastor and/or persons doing the decorating. The rubrics really only dictate where that candles should be but not how many.

 

[YoungTradCath]

Actually, the number of candles on or around the altar depends on the preference of the pastor and/or persons doing the decorating. The rubrics really only dictate where that candles should be but not how many.

Yes, which is an unfortunate rubrical disaster.