Letter from the Pastor
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April 19, 2026Standing next to the Pulpit during the Easter Season is the Paschal Candle, a symbol of Christ. This year, the candle’s design is the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God.
The Paschal Candle holds a pre-eminent place among all the candles used in church. It represents 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 thanksgiving to the.lucerna (lamp) during an evening prayer service.
One night of the year was more solemn 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 lit 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 current year is traced 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 five 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 only 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.
As I mentioned last week, thankfully, a lot of people attended the Masses and the Services throughout Holy Week, with one exception, the Easter Vigil. I’ve always heard the Mass is too long, 2 hours!! Can you imagine being in Church for two hours? it would be a fate worse than death for some people.
It is the most beautiful liturgy of the entire year; it’s the crown jewel of Sacred Liturgies. The bonfire, the lighting of the candle, waiting in darkness, the listening of the stories of Salvation History, the baptisms of adults, welcoming them into the family, the music and instruments, etc.
How many people can sit for hours listening to a concert, or watching a boring sports event, or watching a news channel all day long but to come to church and pray for more than an one hour! God forbid. If you have never attended an Easter Vigil, make a point to attend next Easter. I can promise you it is prayerful and beautiful.