Question from Ed on 1/8/2008: 
Is is permissable to have an electric sanctuary lamp? Right now we have a priest (he has four churches) who doesn't concern himself with these matters. We have run out of sanctuary candles at times. My suggstion was that we just buy several (as a parish)and keep them at the church. Another suggestion was the electric lamp. I am not sure if this is proper. Is it?
Answer by Colin B. Donovan, STL on 1/10/2008:
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states,
GIRM 316. In accordance with traditional custom, near the tabernacle a special lamp, fueled by oil or wax, should be kept alight to indicate and honor the presence of Christ.
The reason that it should be oil or wax is that it should be a living flame, like Christ the light of the world. It also has the advantage that if the power goes out it will still be possible to know that Christ is present. Only by necessity, such as where fire codes forbid an open flame, could an electric sanctuary light be justified.
Is there no sacristan, or altar society, that can take responsibility to make sure that the sanctuary light doesn't go out?
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