By Rev. John William Addai-Sarfo
Introduction
The Paschal Candle stands as one of the most profound liturgical symbols in the Roman Catholic tradition, representing the Risen Christ as the Light of the world. Its prominence is especially evident during the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season. However, the question of whether – and when – it should be incensed is not always clearly understood. This article examines the liturgical norms governing the incensation of the Paschal Candle, clarifying both the explicit prescriptions of the Church’s liturgical books and the theological rationale that underlies the practice.
The Liturgical Significance of the Paschal Candle
The Paschal Candle symbolizes the Risen Christ, the true “pillar of fire” who dispels the darkness (cf. Ex 13:21). According to the Roman Missal, it is solemnly blessed and lit during the Easter Vigil and remains in a place of honor – near the ambo or altar – throughout the Easter season. The candle is not merely decorative; rather, it is a sacramental sign of Christ’s living presence, especially in: The Easter Vigil, The liturgies of the Easter season, Baptisms, and Funerals. Its use highlights the central mystery of the Resurrection and the ongoing presence of Christ among His people.
Incensation at the Easter Vigil
The most significant liturgical moment involving the Paschal Candle occurs during the Easter Vigil, particularly in the proclamation of the Exsultet. The Roman Missal explicitly directs: “The Deacon goes to the ambo… incenses the book and the candle and proclaims the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet).” This instruction is confirmed by the Ceremonial of Bishops, which likewise states that the Deacon incenses both the book and the Paschal Candle during the Exsultet (cf. CB, nos. 352–355). This is the only clearly prescribed moment in the liturgical books where the Paschal Candle is incensed.
After the Easter Vigil: Divergent Interpretations
Beyond the Easter Vigil, two main interpretations have emerged:
1. Restrictive Interpretation
One school of thought holds that the incensation of the Paschal Candle is strictly limited to the Easter Vigil. This position is based on the fact that no further explicit instructions are given in the Roman Missal or other liturgical books for its incensation during the Easter season. From this perspective, since the liturgical books are silent, the practice should not be extended beyond what is explicitly prescribed.
2. Broader (Permissive) Interpretation
Another view argues that incensation of the Paschal Candle may be permitted during the Easter season, based on more general liturgical principles. This interpretation draws from:
• GIRM 277, which lists objects that may be incensed, including the Paschal Candle.
• Ceremonial of Bishops 88, which allows incense in solemn processions.
• Ceremonial of Bishops 95, which permits the incensation of images and objects exposed for public veneration.
Since the Paschal Candle is the principal symbol of the Risen Christ during Easter, proponents argue that it may reasonably be incensed during solemn celebrations particularly at the entrance procession.
Clarifying the Norms
A careful reading of the liturgical texts suggests the following: The only explicit and obligatory incensation of the Paschal Candle occurs during the Easter Vigil at the Exsultet. Any incensation beyond this is not prescribed and therefore cannot be considered normative.
However, if incensation is extended by reference to CB 95, it must remain optional, not obligatory. Such incensation should be limited to the beginning of the celebration. It should not be repeated during the Presentation of the Gifts, since the liturgical books specify that only the gifts and the altar (and cross) are incensed at that moment.
The Relationship Between the Paschal Candle and the Crucifix
A further theological and symbolic consideration arises when the Paschal Candle is incensed alongside the crucifix. The Paschal Candle represents the Risen and glorified Christ and The Crucifix represents the suffering and crucified Christ. Simultaneous incensation of both may create a duplication of symbolic emphasis or even suggest a tension between Resurrection and Passion, if not properly understood.
Moreover, the liturgical norms are clear that The crucifix is to be incensed whenever incense is used. Therefore, The crucifix can never be omitted in favor of the Paschal Candle. Any optional incensation applies only to the Paschal Candle, not to the crucifix.
Conclusion
The liturgical books clearly prescribe the incensation of the Paschal Candle only during the Easter Vigil, at the proclamation of the Exsultet. Beyond this moment, no explicit directive is given. While some broader interpretations may allow optional incensation of the paschal candle during the Easter season, such practices must remain non-obligatory. Ultimately, fidelity to the liturgical norms and sensitivity to the symbolism of the rites should guide any pastoral decision. Even where optional practices are considered, they must never obscure the central liturgical signs-especially the primacy of the crucifix within the Roman Rite.
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