Paschal Candle: Some Practical Ideas Please

[Eileen Smith]

We are in the process of ordering a new paschal candle.  I should say that the one we've used for years was made by a member who died a few years ago.  All the candles are 2" in diameter.  Our base is 2".  Have any of you run into this problem?  Did you find a solution?  I've called Almy who advised we need an adaptor which we already figured out.  Any suggestions would be welcome.  Thank you!

[Richard Johnson]

I'm confused. Aren't they both 2"? Why doesn't it work?

[scott9]

We are in the process of ordering a new paschal candle.  I should say that the one we've used for years was made by a member who died a few years ago.  All the candles are 2" in diameter.  Our base is 2".  Have any of you run into this problem?  Did you find a solution?  I've called Almy who advised we need an adaptor which we already figured out.  Any suggestions would be welcome.  Thank you!

Push harder. 

[Eileen Smith]

I'm confused. Aren't they both 2"? Why doesn't it work?

Ah, sorry - the base is 2.5" and the candle is 2"

[Richard Johnson]

Try modeling clay around the base of the candle. Or just have someone who is handy make an insert to fit into the base with a 2" hole.

[Eileen Smith]

Try modeling clay around the base of the candle. Or just have someone who is handy make an insert to fit into the base with a 2" hole.

Thank you!

[Richard Johnson]

But, um, whatever you do, do it before Good Friday. (He says from experience.) 

[Matt Hummel]

Masking tape around​ the base of the candle also can help if you can't find someone​ to fabricate the 2.5" outer diameter/2.0" inner diameter sleeve.

[Eileen Smith]

But, um, whatever you do, do it before Good Friday. (He says from experience.) 

Thank you for the chuckle - yes, definitely before Good Friday!

[J. Thomas Shelley]

But, um, whatever you do, do it before Good Friday. (He says from experience.) 

Thank you for the chuckle - yes, definitely before Good Friday!

In my bygone days I would unpack the new Paschal Candle and apply the decals on the Monday of Holy Week.  If something went seriously wrong (which it never did) I knew that I would be in Harrisburg the next day for the Bishop's Chrism liturgy and therefore close by to church supply shops.

Most commercial candles are actually 1 15/16; just slightly smaller than a 2" socket.  Nevertheless, it really helps to apply a generous coating of vaseline around the inside of the socket prior to first use...not to the candle itself as that "makes for messy" for the celebrant for the beginning of the Vigil.

If the incense nails will be inserted in the semi-darkness of the Exultet it helps to pre-indent their places on the candle.

[RPG]

There is a family-owned church candle company in Ipswich, SD that makes wonderful 100% beeswax candles.  Check them out: Lux Candle Company.  Their website is super "low-tech" to put it mildly,  but you can read a little of the history and get an idea of what they sell there.  They are located about 45 miles from my town (right next door in Northern Plains terms), and we purchase all of our candles from them.  In our case, they pour them to order (we need a non-standard base) and I go and pick them up in a few days.  They ship their products around the world, including to the Vatican. 

Their "special wick" version requires a special Pyrex follower (which is an investment!), but they last forever.  We have two 7-candle candelabra and two Eucharistic lights on our altar, and we change the candles maybe once a year.  They also sell a standard wick candle which can be used with or without a follower.

There are major honey producers in the region, so all of their wax is locally sourced. A great family quietly carrying out their vocation.  Can't recommend them enough.

RPG+

[Eileen Smith]

There is a family-owned church candle company in Ipswich, SD that makes wonderful 100% beeswax candles.  Check them out: Lux Candle Company.  Their website is super "low-tech" to put it mildly,  but you can read a little of the history and get an idea of what they sell there.  They are located about 45 miles from my town (right next door in Northern Plains terms), and we purchase all of our candles from them.  In our case, they pour them to order (we need a non-standard base) and I go and pick them up in a few days.  They ship their products around the world, including to the Vatican. 

Their "special wick" version requires a special Pyrex follower (which is an investment!), but they last forever.  We have two 7-candle candelabra and two Eucharistic lights on our altar, and we change the candles maybe once a year.  They also sell a standard wick candle which can be used with or without a follower.

There are major honey producers in the region, so all of their wax is locally sourced. A great family quietly carrying out their vocation.  Can't recommend them enough.

RPG+

Thank you for this site!  And thanks to those of you who responded with all good ideas.