Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CANDLESTICK

A holder for a candle consisting of a foot, stem, knob, and bowl to receive was drippings; in some instances it has a sharp point or pricket at the top on which the candle is fixed. In other instances the top is a cut-out cup-shaped hole into which the candle is placed. It symbolizes the Eucharist and is often represented with the Host above it. The rubrics prescribe two, four, or six candlesticks on or around the altar for Mass, with lighted candles.