What does the Paschal candle signify in Roman Catholic funerals?

The Paschal candle symbolizes the everlasting light of Christ in Roman Catholic funerals. This candle represents the resurrection of Jesus and is a powerful reminder of His victory over death, signifying hope and the promise of eternal life. During the funeral service, the Paschal candle is often lit to illuminate the belief that, just as Christ rose from the dead, the deceased will also share in this promise of resurrection and eternal life. This reflects the Christian faith's core belief in the transformative power of Christ's light in the darkness of death and grief, providing comfort to the bereaved and reminding them of their faith in life beyond death.

While life after death is an important theme in this context, the specific focus of the Paschal candle is not solely on that aspect but rather on the illuminating presence of Christ's everlasting light. Similarly, the journey of the deceased and healing for the family may be addressed in various ways during the funeral rites, but they do not capture the specific theological symbolism that the Paschal candle holds within the Roman Catholic tradition.