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Question Title Posted By Question Date
The colour of candles on the altar Catherine Friday, March 7, 2008

Question:

Dear Mr Slavek.
Thank you for taking the time to answer this question.I would like to know if there are specific colours assigned for candles on the altar.I saw two black candles on an altar about two years ago and I found it very odd.I do not remember what time of year it was.It is more worrying to me now because i was looking to purchase candles on the internet and although i specified "Votive " or "Catholic" candles a site I ended up on had these along with many others and black candles for occult activity.Another frightening thing was that a Sacred Heart candle that I purchased in a Catholic Shop in Australia was promoted for use in occult activity on this site.I had this candle in my house for years and during this time our faith was almost lost and our lives were in turmoil.

God Bless you
Catherine

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Catherine,

I did not find any document that assigns specific colors for the candles for use in the Liturgy.  The GIRM and rubrics do not prescribe any colors either.

The use of black candles also seems odd to me, I can't think of any good reason for it.  Seems that the traditional white would be perfect for all liturgical situations.

I cannot comment on your use of the black occult candles however there is an excellent Q&A forum right here on this site on spiritual warfare, just in case you missed it.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.