It’s quite beautiful how many ornate, interesting, priceless things can be found in Catholic Churches. But the meaning behind all of them is actually the most beautiful part.
A fairly simple, but yet important, one of these symbolic things is that of the red candle found near the tabernacle (which is usually found behind the altar, but has been moved to other areas in many churches now).
This candle, when lit, is what tells us that the nearby tabernacle currently contains the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist (prompting genuflection and reverence).
If it is not lit, that means that the tabernacle is empty (therefore genuflection is not appropriate).
So look for the red candle first. It will tell you one of the most important pieces of information you need to know when entering a Catholic church.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think most people think they are genuflecting to the altar or maybe just the front of the Church… For much of my life I had no idea
Also, what is up with the half committed genuflection? You know the people that just kneel down only half way or less to the floor due to laziness… like a little curtsy. It looks silly!
I think most people think they are genuflecting to the altar or maybe just the front of the Church… For much of my life I had no idea.
Also, what is up with the half committed genuflection? You know the people that just kneel down only half way or less to the floor due to laziness… like a little curtsy. It looks silly!
Very good post. Though, whenever the candle is not lit, or during the Triduum when Christ is not present in the tabernacle, I still usually reverence (by bowing, typically) the altar out of respect for the Holy Sacrifice that takes place daily upon it.
I think it’s a shame when churches remove the tabernacle from behind the altar, or worse yet, from the sanctuary itself. I wonder if those churches still have the red candle lit?
Some people may find this a bit extreme, but I will not belong to a Parish that does not have a crucifix on the altar or at least visibly present hanging behind the altar during mass.
Some may not know this but it is a requirement. The risen Jesus Christ is great but not appropriate for Mass.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia..
a crucifix must be placed on the altar during Mass. To this rule there are two exceptions:
* when the Crucifixion is the principal part of the altarpiece or picture behind the altar. (We advisedly say the principal part of the altarpiece or picture, for if the picture represents a saint, e.g. St. Francis Xavier holding a crucifix in his hand, or St. Thomas kneeling before the cross, even if the cross be large, such a picture is not sufficient to take the place of the altar-crucifix — see Ephem. Lit., 1893, VII, 408) and
* when the Most Blessed Sacrament is exposed.
Erika, I agree it doesn’t feel quite right that the tabernacle is no longer behind the altar. That’s one of the things I love about Daily Mass on EWTN.
However, I was under the impression that the Church is going in the direction of having a separate chapel for the Blessed Sacrament (completely removed from the sanctuary) for the purpose of improving the sense of reverence and intimacy. Matt – can you clarify?
Thanks for this post!
Resonding to LauraS: When I visited the Basillica of St. Peter in Rome, the Blessed Sacrament was reserved in a side chapel and not at the main altar. It was a few years ago and I do not know if that is still the case. For me it is important that the Lord is reserved somewhere in the church if possible.