Preparing the Easter Candle

In 1983, Brother William, Director of Office for Divine Worship in the Archdiocese of Omaha, taught one of our very own deacons, Eldon Lauber, how to prepare the Easter candle for the vigil service held on Holy Saturday.  For the past 34 years, Deacon Eldon Lauber has followed Brother William's instructions and carefully prepared the Easter "Paschal" candle at St. Columbkille.  

The Paschal candle represents Christ, the Light of the World. The pure beeswax of which the candle is made represents the sinless Christ who was formed in the womb of His Mother. The wick signifies His humanity, the flame, His Divine Nature, both soul and body.

Five grains of incense inserted into the candle in the form of a cross recall the aromatic spices with which His Sacred Body was prepared for the tomb, and of the five wounds in His hands, feet, and side. The wooden spikes are inserted into the candle and melted beeswax secure them in place.

The Easter Vigil begins with the blessing and lighting of a new fire, symbolizing our eternal life in Christ, and is used to light the new Easter candle. The candle, representing Christ himself, is blessed by the priest who then cuts a cross into the candle, the first letters and last of the Greek alphabet, (Alpha and Omega `the beginning and the end') and the current year, as he prays:

Christ yesterday and today; the Beginning and the End; the Alpha; and the Omega.  

All time belongs to him; and all the ages. To him be glory and power; through every age and forever. Amen. 

The priest then lights the candle from the new fire, saying: "May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds."

The Easter candle is used throughout the Easter season until Ascension Thursday.  It is also used at every funeral mass and Baptism throughout the year.

We are grateful to Deacon Lauber for taking the time and special care to prepare our Easter candle each year. Thanks also to Doug McWilliams, our candle preparation "apprentice" and Michelle Grzywa for her efforts to prepare our worship space for the Easter celebration.