The Deacon is vested in white as the angel announcing the Resurrection, while the others still clad in purple, show the grief and dread of the Apostles and Disciples. St. Augustin says, "That as by women the Resurrection was made known, thus it is a lower minister of the Church announces the fact to the superior orders of the clergy in the blessing of this candle, and as it was not the Apostles but the disciples that embalmed the body, so this Deacon places the five grains of incense as an embalming in the holes which represent the wounds."
During the canticle the candle is lighted from the triple candle, signifying the instant of Our Lord's Resurrection when the divine power restored His body to life. This Paschal Candle remains lighted at the principal services until Ascension Day, showing how Christ remained with His apostles and disciples.
III.—The Prophecies.
The Deacon having laid aside his white dalmatic vests in purple and returns to the celebrant. Then the prophecies, twelve in number, from the Old Testament, are read. This was the final preparation of the catechumens, and by prayers after each prophecy the Church impresses the lessons expressed in the preceding prophecy. Then follows
IV.—The Blessing of the Font.
The procession moves to the Baptistery, acolytes carrying the Paschal Candle while two others carry the Holy Chrism and the oil of the catechumens. With many solemn prayers the water which is to be the instrument of the divine work of regeneration is blessed. The celebrant divides it in the form of a cross to signify that it is by the cross that it receives the power of regenerating the souls of men. Then he places his hand upon it as the mere contact of the consecrated hand of Pontiff or Priest, produces a salutary effect as often as they act in virtue of
