Why Are a White Pall and Paschal Candle Used at a Catholic Funeral?
There is grief in the church, yet the Paschal candle stands near the coffin and a white pall may cover it. Why does a funeral use symbols that also belong to Easter and Baptism?
The white pall recalls Baptism
The white cloth placed over the coffin recalls the white garment given at Baptism. Baptism marks the beginning of life in Christ. At the funeral the Church recalls that same promise while praying for the person who has died.
The pall also points to the equal dignity of the baptised. The focus is not on wealth, professional success or social standing, but on belonging to Christ.
The Paschal candle proclaims the Risen Lord
The Paschal candle is solemnly lit during the Easter Vigil. Its light represents the Risen Christ. Standing near the coffin at a funeral, it recalls that Christian hope reaches beyond the grave.
This does not mean that the Church automatically declares a particular person to be in heaven. At the funeral we pray for God’s mercy and entrust the departed to Christ. Hope and intercession belong together.
Can believers still grieve?
Of course. Belief in the resurrection does not take away the pain of parting. Jesus himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus. The funeral liturgy allows room for sorrow, gratitude and prayer rather than asking the family to pretend that death does not hurt.
The pall and the candle convey a specific message: a person is more than a collection of achievements and failures. We commend that person to the love of God.
Put it into practice
At a funeral, pray both for the deceased and for those who are grieving.
Prayer
Merciful God, receive our departed loved ones in your goodness and strengthen the bereaved with the hope of resurrection. Amen.
