Candles & Lighting
Sanctuary Lamps
Sanctuary lamps burn day and night before the tabernacle, a sign that Christ is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.
About this collection
About Sanctuary Lamps
A sanctuary lamp burns near the tabernacle as a sign of Christ's presence in the Blessed Sacrament. This collection offers sanctuary lamps in polished and lacquered brass: hanging lamps, standing lamps about four and a half feet tall, small altar-top lamps, and wall brackets to hold them. Styles range from Gothic and Baroque to simple traditional designs, and several match our altar candlestick series.
What you will need
Most lamps hold the standard eight-day glass globe; red globes are sold separately, so add one to your order. For a hanging lamp, measure the drop from ceiling or bracket, and check that a wall bracket suits the lamp's size and weight. Mounting hardware is usually not included.
Listed prices currently run from about $75 for a globe to $6,785 for a large lamp. Call or request a quote. Freight is billed separately. See also tabernacles and altar candlesticks.
Sanctuary Lamps
In the Sacred Liturgy
Wherever the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle, a lamp burns near it at all times. This is the sanctuary lamp, sometimes called the tabernacle lamp. Its steady flame tells everyone who enters the church that Christ is present, and invites them to genuflect and pray. It also honors Him, keeping watch when no one else is there.
The lamp is fueled by oil or wax, and by long custom its flame burns within red glass, so that its glow can be seen across the church. It may hang from the ceiling on chains, be fixed to the wall on a bracket, or stand on a pedestal near the altar. The custom recalls the lamp that God commanded to be kept burning continually in the tabernacle of the Old Testament.
Sanctuary lamps are commonly made of brass or bronze, often richly worked in Gothic or Baroque styles, and are chosen to complement the tabernacle and altar they serve.
pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may be set up to burn continually
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Looking for a different size, finish or design? Tell us what your church needs and we will prepare a quote.