Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
TRIPLE CANDLE
The triple-branched candle formerly used in the Holy Saturday service. It was lighted by the deacon chanting three times in ascending tomes, "Lumen Christi" (The Light of Christ), while the choir answered "Deo Gratias" (Thanks Be to God). From this candle the paschal candle was afterward lighted. In the revised liturgy for the Easter Vigil the triple candle is simply replaced by the paschal candle.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Recent Catholic Commentary
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Top Catholic News
Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days