Sanctuary Lamps

Yes, electric sanctuary lamps are permitted in the Catholic Church, but as a practical exception rather than the ideal form. The Church's liturgical norms call for a lamp fueled by oil or wax, so an electric lamp is only preferable where an open flame would be impractical or unsafe, such as in an unattended chapel.

Consider where your tabernacle sits and how much room surrounds it. A hanging lamp on a bracket or chain suits a sanctuary with lots of height above the altar, where a wall-mounted lamp works better where space is tight. A table or floor-standing lamp is appropriate for an open sanctuary or side chapel where it can stand near the tabernacle.

It depends on the style. A hanging lamp suspends from a chain or bracket over or beside the altar, a wall-mount lamp fixes directly to the wall, and a table or standing lamp simply sits in place. If you are hanging a lamp, we stock the hardware: a brass wall bracket for hanging sanctuary lamps and a brass wall hook that also holds votive lamps. Check the lamp listing for its chain or drop length, then add the bracket or hook that fits your wall.

A wax sanctuary candle lasts seven to fourteen days, depending on the candle. The sanctuary lamp is meant to burn continuously whenever the Blessed Sacrament is inside the tabernacle. We stock 7-day, 8-day, and 14-day paraffin and beeswax options. You can restock candles on our sanctuary candles page.

Some models include their glass globe, and others do not, so double-check the product listing before ordering. Globes are also available in red (the traditional color), clear, amber, blue, green, and purple. Replacement globes, colored globes, and stands are available in our globes and stands collection.

All of our church sanctuary lamps are brass. For routine care, dust with a soft, dry cloth. If a lamp has a lacquered finish, skip metal polish, which can strip the lacquer, and just wipe it clean. Unlacquered brass can be brightened with a standard brass polish and will develop a natural patina over time. Check the listing for the finish before you polish.