Tabernacle Candle is it always supposed to be lit?

[IneedGod]

Curious,
When is the red Tabernacle candle supposed to be lit?
I thought it was always supposed to be lit but I am new and could be confused on this issue.

Thanks

 

[blanc10]

It is used to show that Christ is present in the tabernacle. It may be out because there are no hosts I. The tabernacle or the candle burned out.

 

[1ke]

Yes, the sanctuary lamp is always lit as long as the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle.

 

[curlycool89]

It is used to show that Christ is present in the tabernacle. It may be out because there are no hosts I. The tabernacle or the candle burned out.

People are still very attached to candles (including me, I don’t the idea of a sanctuary light bulb and it would be fairly expensive), and candles do burn out. I know that sometimes I would see it out at our college chapel sometimes. I would just go and get a new candle, no big deal

The candle is a sign that points us to Jesus in the tabernacle. If it goes out, that doesn’t mean Jesus disappeared.

 

[paperwight66]

It may not have even gone out. I had a person come to me yesterday, knowing I was sacristan, and tell me it was out, but I had replaced it only that morning ; the temporary problem was that the top of the flame coincided with the rim of the red glass holder, so it was masked and didn’t shine out. Another hour or two and it appeared as normal.

 

[YoungTradCath]

People are still very attached to candles (including me, I don’t the idea of a sanctuary light bulb and it would be fairly expensive), and candles do burn out. I know that sometimes I would see it out at our college chapel sometimes. I would just go and get a new candle, no big deal

The candle is a sign that points us to Jesus in the tabernacle. If it goes out, that doesn’t mean Jesus disappeared.

I believe the tabernacle light is one of the lights in which it is forbidden to use a light bulb. I believe a wax candle or oil lamp is absolutely required. Perhaps someone can fill us in because I do not have a reference.

 

[marytk]

It may not have even gone out. I had a person come to me yesterday, knowing I was sacristan, and tell me it was out, but I had replaced it only that morning ; the temporary problem was that the top of the flame coincided with the rim of the red glass holder, so it was masked and didn’t shine out. Another hour or two and it appeared as normal.

The same thing has happened to me. I change the candle enough to have an idea of when it will need replacing but like you I saw that it was burning just couldn’t see it well.Once I had someone point it out the lamp to me. It needed replacing but I was so happy to see that there was a tiny flame burning still. (Couldn’t even see what it was burning)

 

[thomas_jd]

Curious,
When is the red Tabernacle candle supposed to be lit?
I thought it was always supposed to be lit but I am new and could be confused on this issue.

Thanks

There is no prescribed color yet red is often the color of choice.
Countinously burning is the directive.

 

[blanc10]

I believe the tabernacle light is one of the lights in which it is forbidden to use a light bulb. I believe a wax candle or oil lamp is absolutely required. Perhaps someone can fill us in because I do not have a reference.

I’ve seen it where they had to use a fake, electric candle. I believe it’s because of fire code.

Just a note: A good way to tell whether not the tabernacle is empty or not when the candle is out, is if the door to the tabernacle is open or not. If the candle is out and it’s closed, the sacrament is likely still in it. Priests usually leave the door open when the tabernacle is empty.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I believe the tabernacle light is one of the lights in which it is forbidden to use a light bulb. I believe a wax candle or oil lamp is absolutely required. Perhaps someone can fill us in because I do not have a reference.

Unfortunately, forbidden doesn’t mean that it never happens. I recall many years ago someone arguing that it was technically an oil light because oil was used to generate the electricity. **

 

[Phemie]

I’ve seen it where they had to use a fake, electric candle. I believe it’s because of fire code.

Just a note: A good way to tell whether not the tabernacle is empty or not when the candle is out, is if the door to the tabernacle is open or not. If the candle is out and it’s closed, the sacrament is likely still in it. Priests usually leave the door open when the tabernacle is empty.

Canon 940 A special lamp which indicates and honors the presence of Christ is to shine continuously before a tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved.

GIRM 316. In accordance with traditional custom, near the tabernacle a special lamp, fueled by oil or wax, should shine permanently to indicate the presence of Christ and honour it.

I can find no other reference to what type of lamp should be used and, GIRM notwithstanding, we have an electric Sancuary Lamp. The Pastor who was appointed ca. 1999 didn’t want to have a problem with the insurance company so the holder with its 1-week candle was replaced with an electric lamp that looks exactly the same.

I’d prefer oil or wax, but as long as there is a light whose significance everyone can understand, I won’t make a fuss. I fought that battle with the Paschal Candle when a previous pastor had a fake acrylic one that held a container of oil.

As for the Tabernacle being open, ours requires that the key be left in the lock for the door to stay open so, unless it’s Holy Thursday and the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday and we’re all there, the door is closed even when it’s empty.

 

[Brendan]

I also know of a hospital chapel where an electric light is used, as local saftey regs prohibit open flames when oxygen might be used.

Patients on auxillary oxygen are often present for Mass, ergo, candles could not be used.

 

[paperwight66]

As for the Tabernacle being open, ours requires that the key be left in the lock for the door to stay open so, unless it’s Holy Thursday and the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday and we’re all there, the door is closed even when it’s empty.

Couldn’t the tabernacle door be wedged open with something? It seems a shame to lose the significance of the empty tabernacle on Good Friday.

 

[Phemie]

Couldn’t the tabernacle door be wedged open with something? It seems a shame to lose the significance of the empty tabernacle on Good Friday.

It’s a round tabernacle with a pocket door. If the key is not in the door, the door is locked. The door is unlocked and opened in one motion with a turn of the key and once it’s open you can’t remove the key from the lock.