This large candle symbolizes the Risen Christ. Paschal refers to sacrifice and therefore is associated with All Saints Day, Easter and Passover. The flame is lit at the beginning of Lent and the Candle is in the chancel (in front of the pulpit) of the church until Maundy Thursday's Stripping of the Altar. It is extinguished to represent that the "Light of Christ" left the world upon His death.
At the Easter Vigil, the Paschal Candle is lit from a new fire and carried to the front of the church with great ceremony. This symbolizes the resurrection of Our Lord. The flame of the Paschal Candle is then used to light candles held by the congregation. This act represents the spreading of Christ's word and light to us and to the world. The Candle remains lit through the Feast of Pentecost.
After this, the Paschal Candle is placed near the baptismal font near the front doors of the church. It burns at baptisms to symbolize the new life in Christ we share in baptism and, again in the chancel area, at All Saints Day Services to represent the sacrifices the Saints have made for the faith.
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