Q: Is it within the Western Church’s liturgy to extinguish the flame of the Paschal Candle after the reading of the Gospel on Ascension Day ? a symbol of Christ’s leaving earth as we await the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost?
I realise that it is then lit at each liturgy until Pentecost itself.
==
A: No, the custom of extinguishing the flame of the Paschal Candle after the Gospel on Ascension Day is no longer observed. It was removed from the rubrics about 50 years ago. The candle burns continuously throughout Easter Time.