Rules about candles used at the Easter Vigil

[gerimom17]

I love the majesty and symbolism present in every aspect of the Easter Vigil - the lighting of the new Easter candle, the way the light suffuses the church when candle after candle is lit from the Easter candle, the music, the baptisms, etc.

I have a question which I do not see answered here.

This year, to avoid spilling wax on our new pews, our church decided to use these battery powered tea lights instead of wax candles that are lit from the Easter candle. I think this takes away from the symbolism of Christ as Light of the World (in the Easter candle) and spreading His Light to one another (when we light each other’s candles). I think it “cheapened” the experience for our newly baptized. It was like everyone having their own flashlight! (I was in the choir so I got to see everyone come inside from the lighting outside - it looked like a band of Morlocks was entering the church).

Was this practice permissible? I would really like to know.

 

[1ke]

Was this practice permissible? I would really like to know.

No.

83. The procession, by which the people enter the church, should be led by the light of the paschal candle alone. Just as the children of Israel were guided at night by a pillar of fire, so similarly, Christians follow the risen Christ. There is no reason why to each response “Thanks be to God” there should not be added some acclamation in honor of Christ.

The light from the paschal candle should be gradually passed to the candles which it is fitting that all present should hold in their hands, the electric lighting being switched off.

And:

Candles made of wax are to be used in the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical rites. Furthermore, because of their very nature, imitations of candles should not be used in the liturgy as, for example, “permanent” paschal candles, nor should electric bulbs be used in liturgical celebration.

(Click links to full text of sources)

 

[Pulvis]

This is sad.
I remember a business trip to Chicago not long ago. I attended Mass at a downtown Parish and noticed all the Votive Candles in front of Our Lady were battery operated. Light a candle for a lost loved one, or, Flick a switch for a Loved one. Just not the same is it?

 

[1ke]

This is sad.
I remember a business trip to Chicago not long ago. I attended Mass at a downtown Parish and noticed all the Votive Candles in front of Our Lady were battery operated. Light a candle for a lost loved one, or, Flick a switch for a Loved one. Just not the same is it?

Also a no:

In the interests of authenticity and symbolism, it is likewise unfitting that so-called electric vigil lights be used for devotional purposes.

 

[Bonnie]

Also a no:

In the interests of authenticity and symbolism, it is likewise unfitting that so-called electric vigil lights be used for devotional purposes.

How odd. I thought it was permitted because electric votive lights were installed at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in the diocese of Spokane quite a few years ago. As far as I could tell, there is no way to light them without first putting money in the slot. Regular votive candles are more friendly to those who are broke.

 

[ajecphotos]

That is terrible! Battery powered tea candles. Must have be so un spiritual. Shame that. We had a lovely service with real candles lit from the paschal candle which was all done outside the church.

 

[GEddie]

As I understand it, the “classical” candle with wax and flame is to be used in the Liturgy because, like our LORD’s BODY, it is visibly consumed in giving forth the light. This would go double for Easter Vigil, where the symbolism of the paschal fire and candle are added.

For uses outside of Liturgy (such as votive lights, etc); electrical faux candles are acceptable in order to mitigate smoke damage, fire hazards, etc.

ICXC NIKA

 

[Martin15]

That is real shame. Our parish has small plastic holders for the candles so that the wax does not drip onto the hand/carpets; the candles can also be pushed through further so that the ‘cup’ becomes a stand for the candle during the service of light. I’ve also seen parishes which use a simple cardboard ring for the same function, although without as much success.

On the topic of votive candles we have both in our lady chapel; so you simply choose which you want to use. I have used both with my daughter (3 years old) and she far prefers the wax candles.

All the best

Martin

 

[Issa87]

I’ve also seen parishes which use a simple cardboard ring for the same function, although without as much success.

You are right! Last night I burnt myself a few times with the wax, but it didn’t welt or anything, it just felt hot at the time. And towards the ending of mass I was scraping of the wax that I had spilled on the pew in front of me.