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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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.