The Sanctuary Lamp

[TobyLue]

Need some help please. If I’m not mistaken I know that the lamp next to the tabernacle must be lit all the time, day or night,if our Lord is present. I think too that the candle must NOT be artificial. I know that many candles are electric candles but the Tabernacle must be real flame. Also can it be a waxed candle or must it be oil? I need a document that states this. Is anybody familiar with this document?

Thanks and God Bless…

 

[SnorterLuster]

I found this from a Scottish parish. Go to the link for more info.

** The lamp perpetually burning before the Eucharistic Lord should be a living flame fed by oil or wax, but obviously not a volatile fuel. A natural flame is preferable because it signifies an offering as well as light. Always visually related to the tabernacle, the lamp may be set on a wall bracket or on a stand, or it may take the dignified traditional form of a hanging lamp. However, as with other objects, the lamp should not stand directly on the tabernacle or immediately in front of the door. Roman practice prescribed a clear glass for the lamp, but this has been widely superseded by the red glass which is familiar to our people.** stbrigids-kilbirnie.com/Pages/mass-2.html

 

[puzzleannie]

there are also usually fire department regulations. we use oil lamps with approved wicks, they are much safer than candles, extinguish automatically if accidentally tipped over, last much longer, burn cleaner and give a brighter light. we use the same for the regular white Mass candles. Much easier to light and extinguish as well. the stand and bracket the candle rests on is also fire department approved (fire chief is on parish council)

 

[MilesJesu]

The previous link is very similar to the description provided in the online Catholic Encyclopedia for altar lamp at: newadvent.org/cathen/01354b.htm

If you are looking for a description of altar candles, you can follow this link:

newadvent.org/cathen/01347a.htm

“For mystical reasons the Church prescribes that the candles used at Mass and at other liturgical functions be made of beeswax (luminaria cerea. – Missale Rom., De Defectibus, X, I; Cong. Sac. Rites, 4 September, 1875)…”

Peace,

MilesJesu