Paschal Candle History : Part 2

In the time of the Emperor Constantine [272-337], the historian, Saint Eusebius [circa 283-371] wrote that the Emperor “transformed the night of the sacred Easter Vigil into the brilliancy of day, by lighting throughout the whole city pillars of wax, so that this mystic vigil was rendered brighter than the brightest daylight.” [And some say our Holy Week Services are ‘over the top!’] As massive Cathedrals were erected, an equally massive, often marble, candle holder literally attached to the Ambo was made for the Paschal Candle. Until the 10th Century, at the end of Easter time [sometimes that was the Ascension of the Lord; at other times, Pentecost] or even right after the Easter Vigil Mass the Paschal Candle was broken into pieces, which were then given to the faithful especially to those who literally under it had celebrated their Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion at the Easter Vigil.