Posted: March 26 2007 at 10:49am | IP Logged

Originally this fire was struck from flint because it was the only way known to antiquity. Like so many other customs this has acquired symbolic meaning with the passing of time. Fire is struck from a stone: light comes from Christ the Cornerstone. The circumstance that a new fire had to built with sparks struck from a flint explains why this was done out of doors or in the church porch. Obtaining a light from flint and getting a charcoal fire to burn would be rather troublesome and attended by much smoke. Naturally this would be better done outside the church. (The Meaning of Holy Week by Rev. William O'Shea, 1965)

160. The "new fire" of Easter at the gathering place should be a large bonfire, "whose flames should be such that they genuinely dispel the darkness and light up the night." Depending on local circumstances, and taking safety into account, ushers, or other laity prepare, maintain and supervise the fire. After the procession with the Easter candle has entered the church, and the faithful have lit their candles, those in charge of the new fire should remain at the gathering place and carefully extinguish the fire before entering the church themselves. (Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year According to the Modern Roman Rite, by Msgr. Peter J. Elliott, Ignatius Press)