Dear Fr. Figpenny, is the Paschal Candle extinguished after the gospel on the Day of Ascension?
Thank you for your question asking whether or not the Paschal Candle burns after the gospel on the Day of Ascension. The Paschal Candle is lighted during the Easter Vigil immediately following the kindling and blessing of the new fire. In many churches the congregation follows the Paschal Candle into the darkened church. Some churches present parishioners with small tapers which are lit from the Paschal Candle as it passed by. Once in the church the Paschal Candle is placed in front in a place of prominence. It is customary to burn the Paschal Candle at all services from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost. This marks the Great 50 Days of Easter. Ascension Day occurs 40 days after Easter and marks the day when Jesus ascended to Heaven to return to his rightful place at the right hand of God. Thus the Paschal Candle burns on the Day of Ascension and for 10 days afterwards.
