04/04/2026
THE LEGEND OF PATRICK AND THE PASCHAL FIRE – Soon after his return to Ireland as a Christian missionary, legend says that Patrick came to Tara, where the High Kings of Éire were gathered for their pagan worship. Amid their celebrations, festive fires were lit at Tara, but all other fires were forbidden by the High Kings. On the night before Easter, March 26, 433, Patrick defied the order by lighting a Paschal (Easter) Fire on the Hill of Slane, across the valley from Tara, in honor of Christ’s resurrection. Noticing the illegal fire, High King Laoghaire and his attendants (including Erc, who was later baptized and became the first bishop of Slane) traveled to the distant hill to extinguish the unlawful flame. He was so impressed with Patrick, however, that he permitted him to continue his proclamation of the Gospel message in Ireland. Every year on Holy Saturday, a fire is again lit on the Hill of Slane in honor of Patrick’s original Pascal Fire.
On this Holy Saturday, as we reflect upon the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior, may we imitate Patrick’s lighting of the Paschal Fire by letting our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in Heaven (Matt. 5:16).
