Percentage of beeswax in Pascal and Mass candles

[VintageRose]

Thirty years ago, I had the privilege of being Sacristan in our parish for four years. I learned our Pascal Candle was 75% bees wax. Our Mass candles were 51%. I was so impressed with their long lasting and clean burning that we’ve only had bees wax candles in our home ever since. I was recently asked the reason for Catholic Churches specifically using bees wax candles. In truth, I’ve no idea…! Does anyone here happen to know the answer…? Thank you for your thoughts…!

 

[PetraG]

The USCCB says, “Prior to the Second Vatican Council altar candles were to be composed primarily or to a significant extent of pure beeswax, with the exact percentage determined by the diocesan bishop. The candle itself was given a mystical meaning: the beeswax symbolized the pure flesh Christ received from his Virgin Mother, the wick symbolized his soul, and the flame his divinity.”

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-wor...re-and-environment/composition-of-candles.cfm

I didn’t know that, either.

 

[ahs]

In addition to the symbolic meaning, I would imagine that the practical reason for using beeswax is that it does not produce irritating smoke.

 

[HeDa]

OP. Listen to the Exsultet from the Easter vigil. Bees, light and torch are sung at about 7 minutes in this video.

“But now we know the praises of this pillar,
which glowing fire ignites for God’s honour,
a fire into many flames divided,
yet never dimmed by sharing of its light,
for it is fed by melting wax,
drawn out by mother bees
to build a torch so precious.”

The whole text is here:

Exsultet - Wikipedia

 

[VintageRose]

HeDa, this is simply amazing. You most definitely receive “five-golden-stars” for such research. I’d no idea…! Thank you…!

 

[HeDa]

VintageRose. It just took me a minute as I knew where I could find it. I love hearing the Exsultet sung and am fortunate to have been to parishes for the Easter Vigil where the priest or cantor have excellent singing voices.