The (Second) Easter Fire
Our dearly departed Sister Marie Michael, a long-time sacristan, looks with satisfaction on the last of her many Paschal fires
One of the most striking parts of the Easter Vigil liturgy is the blessing of the “new fire.” The orange flames leaping into the dark sky are a vivid image of the power of the Resurrection, by which Christ, the Light of the World, shatters the darkness of our sin and death. At our monastery, we try to keep this special fire alive year-round — by using it to keep our ever-burning sanctuary lights aflame! As long as the Risen Lord is in the Tabernacle, the Easter Fire proclaims His presence.
This year, a group of Sisters had an idea … why not continue that great Paschal tradition with a community bonfire? Armed with Mother’s blessing, a bunch of cinderblocks, and plenty of brushwood, the intrepid crew constructed a fire pit down by our lake and set up the tinder, kindling, and fuel. Sr. Cecilia Maria even drew on knowledge from her scouting days and put together a dryer-lint and candle-wax fire starter!
Those who braved the chilly April air that night were rewarded by a cozy, crackling fire and a little praise & worship music session. Though the evening proved far too short for everyone’s liking, more “bonfire evenings” are in the works!
“O God, who through your Son bestowed upon the faithful the fire of your glory, sanctify this new fire, we pray, and grant that, by these paschal celebrations, we may be so inflamed with heavenly desires, that with minds made pure we may attain festivities of unending splendor. ”
