Sunday 26th April 2015
The Paschal Candle is a major feature of every Catholic church in this season. Made of pure beeswax, it has five grains of incense inserted into it in the form of a cross, honouring the five wounds of Christ, and is decorated with Christian symbols. These are usually transfers, obtainable from liturgical suppliers.
This year's Paschal Candle at the Church of the Most Precious Blood at the Borough, London Bridge, has been hand-painted by a parishioner, and is completely unique. Mrs Kathie Kempton used her talents to paint the traditional Alpha and Omega symbols, and a Lamb and Flag - and the coat of arms of the Ordinariate. This involved intricate work, painting on beeswax and using paints that would not flake off during the Easter season.
"It was a real privilege to do this project" said Kathie, who also helps run the Sunday School at Precious Blood Church and is secretary of the Ladies Ordinariate Group. "I felt nervous taking it on, but loved doing the work. Tackling the coat of arms needed a steady hand and of course careful attention to detail. It was satisfying to get it done."
During Eastertide, no matches are used in church - all candles are lit from the Paschal Candle, showing how the light of Christ spreads without ever diminishing.
