Q: We have had the practice to not have torchbearers accompany the gospel procession and flank the ambo during the Easter season because the Paschal Candle is next to the ambo. The thought is that the Paschal Candle already serves as the Christ light. The thought is additional candles from torch bearers is duplication. Is this appropriate and liturgically ok to do?
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A: Well, candles in the gospel procession are always optional. The only masses when they are not to be used are those on Palm Sunday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.
I lean toward using them on all other Sundays and major celebrations of the year, but you have the choice. It’s just hard to argue that they shouldn’t be carried on Sundays of Easter – because the missal permits them.