The Paschal Candle:

At the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, the conclusion of the Easter Triduum, we see a rich symbolism of our Christian faith and the Resurrection  in the Paschal Candle.  It is one of the most sacred and enduring elements in our Christian faith.

The Paschal Candle is made of beeswax that represents the purity of Christ; its wick signifies Christ's humanity, and the flame His Divine Nature.  Looking closely at the Paschal Candle we see that it is adorned with Christian symbols, such as the cross representing Christ's redemptive sacrifice; the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha and Omega to signify that Christ is the beginning and the end of Creation); symbols of wheat and grapes, a chalice and a host for the Eucharist (signifying the true presence of Christ and our spiritual strength); and other similar symbols.

During the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, the priest or deacon carries the Paschal Candle in procession into the dark church.  A new fire, symbolizing our eternal life in the resurrected Christ, is kindled which lights the Paschal Candle.  The Paschal Candle representing Christ Himself is blessed by the priest who then inscribes in it a "cross", the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the current year, and then affixes the five grains of incense which recall the aromatic spices that were used to prepare Christ's body for the tomb, and the five wounds of Christ's hands, feet and side that remained after His resurrection.

Now the Paschal Candle remains on the altar on its special candle stand during the full 50 days of the Easter Season, and it is lit for liturgical services during that time.

After Pentecost, the Paschal Candle is placed next to the baptismal font, and it lit during all baptisms throughout the year.  It symbolizes the passing the light of Christ to each person baptized, starting with the Catechumens at the Easter Vigil Mass.

(The Paschal Candle may also be used at funeral services and placed next to the casket during a funeral Mass. It serves as a reminder that the Sacrament of Baptism is itself a death and resurrection of Christ, and thus testifies to Christian certainty in the resurrection of the dead and life with Christ in the world to come.)

Ad Jesum per Mariam!