? Someone asked me the other day what the large candle

[demosincebirth]

hanging by the alter symbolized. I told him that it signified the presence of the Holy Sacrament. Yet, I could not think of what its called. Someone refresh my memory.

[UrbScotty]

1. I'm 98% sure it's called the Paschal Candle. (nt)

[Matilda]

2. The Paschal candle is the candle lit by the new fire at Easter,

and stays by the altar throughout the Easter season until Pentecost.

The lamp that burns to signify the presence of the consecrated
bread in the Tabernacle is called the Sanctuary Lamp.

[demosincebirth]

4. "Sanctuary Lamp," thank you Matilda...

and thank you all.

[ElectroPrincess]

7. Here's a PIC of the Sanctuary Lamp

[demosincebirth]

8. Thanks.

Ours is not as elaborate

[ElectroPrincess]

5. Our poor alter boys had "quite a time" lighting this candle before

Easter Mass. <warm smile> They were a little young and short in stature. Those of us watching were "with them" and they finally were successful after about 5 attempts.

I know these little boys must have been so embarrassed but it was NOT an easy task. :-)

[DemBones DemBones]

3. You can only see the Paschal Candle lit by the new fire at

the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. That's now (post-Vatican II) THE Easter Mass, unrealized by many cradle Catholics who have attended faithfully all their lives. I think every Catholic should participate in the Easter Vigil Mass at least once -- though I must tell you many say "Once is enough!" since it lasts so long. Part of the reason it lasts so long is that adult catechumens are received into the Church and receive their First Communion during the Easter Vigil Mass, and any of them who have never been baptized must also be baptized.

Hope this will clarify things for those who've never attended the Easter Vigil!

[ElectroPrincess]

6. Here's a PIC of the Paschal Candle