Candles & Lighting
Bugia (Bishop's Candle)
The bugia, a small handled candlestick held beside a bishop as he reads from the liturgical book.
About this collection
About Bugia (Bishop's Candle)
The bugia, or palmatorium, is the small hand candlestick held beside a bishop as he reads at a Pontifical Mass. This collection offers traditional bugias in polished and lacquered brass, with a 7/8-inch candle socket, including long-handled and hand-held designs. A gold-plated version is available, and silver can be quoted on request.
Who needs one
Cathedrals, parishes that host the bishop for Confirmation, and communities that celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass with a bishop often keep a bugia in the sacristy. Check the handle length and the candle size it takes. Listed prices currently run from about $455 to $570; the gold-plated model is quoted. Call or request a quote. Freight is billed separately. See also croziers and lavabo sets.
Bugia (Bishop's Candle)
In the Sacred Liturgy
The bugia, also called a palmatorium or hand candle, is a small candlestick with a short handle that holds a lighted candle beside a bishop as he reads from the missal or another liturgical book. It is held by a server standing at the bishop's side during a pontifical Mass and at other ceremonies where the bishop presides.
Its practical origin lies in the days when churches were dimly lit and a candle was needed to read the sacred text. Over time it became a mark of honor for the bishop as the shepherd of his diocese, and in the traditional liturgy its use was also granted to certain other prelates. It remains part of the ceremonial of the traditional pontifical liturgy today.
A bugia is usually made of brass, silver or gilded metal, with a small drip pan to catch the wax and a flat handle by which the server holds it. It is often designed to match the altar candlesticks. Though small, it belongs to the dignity and beauty with which the Church surrounds the liturgy celebrated by her bishops.
Made for your church
Need it custom?
Looking for a different size, finish or design? Tell us what your church needs and we will prepare a quote.