Notice the Sanctus candle on the altar. Photo from Church of the Nativity, Menlo Park, CA taken March 14, 2020 (c) A Catholic Life Life.
While those familiar with the Traditional Latin Mass will know of the candles lit and used by the torchbearers for the Consecration at the High Mass, have you noticed a special sanctus candle at a Low Mass? This is an all too often forgotten rubric required explicitly by the 1962 (or previous) Roman Missals. While the practice is found in other Rites, such as the Dominican Rite, the Roman Rite likewise requires this practice at all Low Masses.
Since the "Low Mass" is really a "cut down" version of the High Mass the one Sanctus candle remains. In some places a "sanctus candle" was lit on a wall bracket on each side of the altar, or on the floor. When it is done presently, it usually consists of an acolyte lighting one single candle from the credence table and placing it on the altar at the beginning of the Canon. The rubrics mandate the use of it.
The Catholic Encyclopedia describes it accordingly: "The rubrics of the Roman Missal direct that at the Sanctus, even of any private Mass, an additional candle should be lighted and should burn until after the Communion of the priest. This rubric however is much neglected in practice even in Rome itself."
In an effort to better follow the rubrics established by Holy Mother Church, does your chapel or parish need to make changes to begin observing this requirement?
2 comment(s):
In the Philippines when I was growing up [late '50's-early 60's] there was always a Sanctus candle at EVERY Mass, low or high.
It was lit as the priest was finishing the Preface, then placed at the Epistle side of the altar from the point of the Sanctus until the priest has had his Communion.
Then it was carried by a sacristan to the communion rails, as if lighting the communicants as they received the Lord [on their knees and on the tongue] with a long-handled paten placed under their chin. Only after everybody had received was the Sanctus candle put out.
I came to the US and have been attending a TLM and noticed "something was missing." So I suggested to our priest that we have the Sanctus candle and he complied. We've been having one every Sunday. Deo gratias.
Our chapel lights the Sanctus candle every day at low Holy Mass.
We are in the Mason Dixon line area of the U.S.A
We also pray the Asperges Me or Vidi Aquam during paschal time.
Recently went to a SSPX chapel out of necessity and the SSPX didn't pray Vidi Aquam nor light the Sanctus candle.
Personally speaking it felt wrong,I didn't like it at all.
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