Altar candlestick for a church altar | 88 cm high

Standing candlestick

• Made entirely in wrought iron.
• Standing candlestick with a height of 88 cm (34.6 in) to the plate.
• Base with four supports.
• Painted black.
• Central shaft decorated with small widenings and ornamental vegetal motifs in relief.

Candlesticks on the church altar

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal speaks of candlesticks and their use on the church altar. Specifically, the GIRM indicates that "on the altar, or near it, there must be at least two candlesticks with lighted candles, or more, according to the nature of the different celebrations."

Taking the General Instruction as a basis, it is traditional to place one or several pairs of candlesticks symmetrically on the altar, on both sides of the altar Cross, on the altar table, or in a nearby location if the candlesticks are standing.

Candlesticks and candelabra, as supports for candles, are a symbol of divine light, a sign of the presence of God in the midst of his people.

Symbolism of the number of candelabra

Two candelabra on the altar: they refer to the twofold nature of Christ, God and man.

Four candelabra: they relate to the four Gospels and the four cardinal points, as a sign of the universality of the sacrifice of Christ offered "for many".

Six candelabra: it recalls the six days of creation, which is raised up and recapitulates its praise in the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

Seven candelabra: The number seven is one of the figures that have the greatest importance within Christian symbolism. Seven is the number of fullness; it also evokes the visions of the Apocalypse (Christ in the midst of seven candelabra) and the fullness of the Spirit who assists the episcopal ministry.