LITURGY SPOTLIGHT - Ronald Ossovicki Candles — The radiance of candlelight brings joy to those who see it, disposing the mind and heart to seek the light of Christ. Originally, candles were used as a practical means of lighting in homes as well as in churches. In the Sacred Liturgy, candles take on a symbolic value. The Easter Vigil begins with the blessing and lighting of the paschal candle, the sign of the risen Christ illuminating the church. Three times it is raised as the priest or deacon intones: “Light of Christ!” As the procession makes its way through the darkness, the flame of the paschal candle is divided again and again, and loses none of its brightness, as it is distributed among the baptized members of the assembly to serve as a reminder that they received the light of Christ. At Baptism, a lit candle is given to the new Christian. The priest entrusts it to the parents and godparents, saying, “This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly.” At Mass, candles are placed around the altar: “at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. If the diocesan Bishop celebrates, then seven candles should be used” (GIRM, 117).
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 18:26:08 +0000