Paschal Candle - the work of the bees

Paschal Candle 2014 -
Angels and Bees

Paschal Candle 2014 -
Alpha and Omega

This year the Paschal Candle has been decorated with angels and bees.  Why the bees?  They feature in the Exsultet which is the Easter proclamation which marks the beginning of the Easter Vigil, which Deacon Jim Woods sang after he had incensed the candle.   

On this, your night of grace, O holy Father, accept this candle, a solemn offering, the work of bees and of your servants' hands, an evening sacrifice of praise, this gift from your most holy Church.

It is from this candle that members of the congregation lit their own candles used for light during the Liturgy of the Word where we listened to seven 
readings from the Old Testament and responded with psalms - together the readings allowed us to listen to key episodes from salvation history including the story of creation, Abraham, Moses leading the Israelites through the red sea, and readings from Isaiah, Baruch and Ezekiel.  

Paschal Candle carried into the dark church

Congregation listening to readings in candle light
See in distance the Paschal Candle shining out

The Bishop also incensed the candle and the altar
at the start of the Eucharistic Prayer.