In Fr Byrne’s time, Pat and Frank Brophy had the job of controlling the church lights for the Easter Vigil. Fr Byrnes’ preference was to light the vigil fire inside the church in front of the lecturn, in a large fire brazier with coals. At his signal, the Brophys would dash into the sacristy and plunge the church into darkness as Fr Byrne and the altar boys processed in.
One Easter, the celebrations were more memorable than usual. Halfway down the aisle, the top of the Paschal Candle suddenly fell off. Without missing a beat, Fr Byrne’s rich Irish voice called out, “Leave it, boy, leave it,” and the procession continued.
At the sanctuary, Fr Byrne poured methylated spirits onto the brazier and struck a match. The fire blazed magnificently—along with the cloth underneath it. Fortunately, a quick-thinking parishioner (we’ll call her Anne Marie to protect her identity) emptied the flowers from the vases beside Our Lady, used the water to extinguish the flames, and restored order.
Among the congregation were visitors from Ireland, who later declared, “That was the best Easter Vigil we’ve ever been to. There was so much happening, we didn’t know where to look!”
You can find out more about the meaning of the Easter Vigil rituals, by clicking here.
