Q: I know, or think I know, that “sometime” ago the US Bishops “relaxed” the restriction on percentage of beeswax used in candles as part of the liturgy. Recently this question arose and I was hoping to be able to point at an authoritative document of some sort.
Thanks for whatever light you might shed on this matter.
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A: To my knowledge the US bishops have said nothing, but the norms in the GIRM and canon law no longer require any percentage of beeswax. The tabernacle lamp must be fueled by oil or wax (GIRM 316). The paschal candle must be made of wax and never be artificial (Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of Easter Feasts, 82). But again, the Vatican no longer requires a certain percentage.