Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord*
*All worldwide and ecclesiastical U.S. provinces of Boston, Hartford,
New York, Newark, Omaha and Philadelphia have retained its
celebration on Thursday, while all other US provinces have transferred
the Solemnity to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. This year: May 17
New York, Newark, Omaha and Philadelphia have retained its
celebration on Thursday, while all other US provinces have transferred
the Solemnity to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. This year: May 17
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...the fortieth day after Easter Sunday,
commemorating the Ascension of Christ into heaven,
according to Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and Acts 1:2.
commemorating the Ascension of Christ into heaven,
according to Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and Acts 1:2.
In the liturgies the day is meant to celebrate the completion of the work
of our salvation, the pledge of our glorification with Christ,
and His entry into heaven with our human nature glorified.
"Let our hearts ascend with Christ."
St Augustine
“Ascending once again
to the Inaccessible Light…
You remain still in the ‘valley of tears,’
hidden beneath the
appearances of a white host.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
PAINTING: The Ascension of Christ - Rembrandt - 1636
PAINTING: The Ascension of Christ - Rembrandt - 1636
Fr Antoine Thomas, CSJ, celebrating Holy Mass
"...Christ's Ascension is our uplifting, and the hope
of the Body is raised, whither the glory of the Head has
gone before, let us exult, dearly-beloved, with worthy joy
and delight in the loyal paying of thanks. For today not only
are we confirmed as possessors of paradise, but have
also in Christ penetrated the heights of heaven, and
have gained still greater things through Christ's unspeakable
grace than we had lost through the devil's malice."
Pope St Gregory the Great - Sermon LXXIII
The Feast of the Ascension marks the beginning
of the FIRST NOVENA, or nine days of prayer.
Today, Catholics recall that first novena by praying the
Novena to the Holy Ghost between Ascension and Pentecost,
asking for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
BEGIN the NOVENA FRIDAY!
OR simply pray each day ...
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful,
and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.
Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,
And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit,
did instruct the hearts of Your faithful,
grant that by that same Holy Spirit,
we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His
consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Remembering also today:
St Matthias
Apostle (replaced Judas Iscariot)
Martyr (stoned and beheaded)
Feast Day - May 14
Statue at St. Matthias Abbey in Trier, Germany, where relics of the Apostle are kept
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