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September 8, 2023A recent question came in on the significance of the number of candles around the altar. In the Main Cathedral and at Sacred Heart/Saint Dominic 6 candles are used around the altar (3 on each side). The other churches use 2 candles. The General Instructions of the Roman Missal which describe how Mass should be celebrated has the following:
117. The altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. In addition, on or next to the altar are to be placed candlesticks with lighted candles: at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. If the diocesan Bishop celebrates, then seven candles should be used.
The candles also help to symbolize the light of Christ and his presence among us. Jesus is the light of the world, and we use candles at Mass to help represent this.
