Sanctuary lamp
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A sanctuary lamp is a red light placed before a tabernacle or aumbry in Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, and Anglican churches, as a sign that the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, or stored, there. It is also used in Lutheran churches to represent the presence of God.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 316 states: "In accordance with traditional custom, near the tabernacle a special lamp, fueled by oil or wax, should be kept alight to indicate and honour the presence of Christ."
The red colour, though not prescribed by law, serves to distinguish this light from other votive lights within the church.
The use of multiple lights, always in uneven numbers, i.e. three, five, seven, or more, in place of a single lamp has now become extremely rare. It is no longer required that the lamp be suspended: it is often placed on a ledge beside the tabernacle or on an individual stand placed on the floor, as seen in the image of St Martin's church, Kortrijk, Belgium in the article Church tabernacle.
Olive oil, as a symbol of purity, peace, and godliness, is preferred.
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