Letter from the Pastor
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April 18, 2021
There are 7 Sundays in the Easter Season, a week of weeks. During that time, next to the Pulpit, the throne of God’s word, stands the Paschal Candle. This year, the candle is particularly beautiful. On the candle are inscribed the words, “Year of St. Joseph,” and “In Patris Cordis,” the first three words of Pope Francis’ letter declaring this 2021 to be the Year dedicated to St. Joseph.
The Paschal Candle holds a pre-eminent place among all candles used in church. It is a symbol of Christ the Light scattering "the darkness of our hearts and minds."
The Paschal Candle represents Easter as much as the crèche represents Christmas. The origin of the paschal candle is uncertain. However, many scholars think that it can be traced to the ancient practice of the lucernarium. The chanting of a hymn of praise and thanks when the lucerna or the lamp was lighted for the evening prayer service.
One night of the year was of a more solemn character than any other. This was Holy Saturday when the faithful assembled for the Vigil of Readings from the Old Testament, the Solemn Baptism of the Catechumens, followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at dawn. The people were in Church throughout the night. Very soon the lucernarium of Holy Saturday assumed special importance and was accompanied by a hymn of praise to the large candle, which was lighted and brought into the sanctuary to furnish light for the reading of the lessons. St. Ambrose and St. Augustine composed a hymn called the Exsutet, which is still sung every Holy Saturday to the Paschal Candle.
St. Augustine mentions the practice of blessing the Paschal Candle. The candle must be made from pure wax extracted from the “work of bees.” It represents the “pillar of fire,” that helped the Hebrews escape from slavery in Egypt in the Exodus event leading them to the Promised Land.
On the Paschal Candle notice the large painted Cross, the symbol of Christ and the instrument through which He saved the world from sin and death. Above the Cross is the Greek letter: alpha (Α) and under the foot of the Cross is the omega (Ω), the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. These two letters have an ancient history in Christianity and are rooted in the book of Revelation, where the Lord says; I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 21:6-7).
Since the 12th Century, the priest inscribes the current year on the Easter candle, with the prayer, All time belongs to Him, and all the ages. This reminds us that God is here with us throughout the year.
Finally five grains of incense are inserted into the candle with 5 decorated nails: top of the cross, the two arms and the foot, and in the middle, symbolizing the five “holy and glorious wounds” of Jesus Christ. Down through the centuries; the candle could weigh up to 300 lbs. and be as tall as 5 or 6 feet, put into a much larger and ornate candleholder.
The Candle remains near the Gospel during the 50 days of Easter Season and is lit for all liturgical Masses and Services. After Pentecost, it is left next to the baptismal font. It is lit for baptisms and funerals. It symbolizes baptism as the death and resurrection in Christ, and in funerals it reminds the Christian of the certainty in the resurrection of the dead as well as to the fact that all are alive in the risen Christ.
Whatever candle is left after the year, should be burned or buried, respect is shown to the candle because of its special nature and blessing and what it symbolizes: Christ the Light amidst the darkness of the night.
A Word of Gratitude
When our parish school was built in 1953 and the annex in 1959, the school was equipped with an extensive exhaust system for the gym, the kitchens, the hallways and classrooms. It was at that time an added luxury for a school. Over the years, the fans and the switches stopped working or became too noisy to operate.
With the arrival of the Covid-19, each classroom in our school was supplied a window exhaust fan that had to be used. Throughout the entire fall and winter, a window was kept ajar in the classrooms for air circulation. The CDC upholds that air circulation is very important for slowing down the spread of the Corona Virus. So now we have an added advantage of the exhaust fans circulating in fresh air and releasing the used air.
Through the tremendous generosity of Bertussi Plumbing, Heating and AC Services, Mr. Tom Bertussi donated the labor and the eight new exhaust fans for the school. I would also like to thank Rockland Electric for their work as well. I am happy to update you that all the exhaust fans in our school are working quietly and efficiently. Now all the hot air from the school can escape! (No comments)