Roman Catholics will observe Ascension Sunday on May 21, known as the bodily rising of Jesus Christ into heaven, 40 days after His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
A vigil mass and a novena in preparation for Pentecost Sunday are traditionally held in Catholic Churches observance of the feast.
At the Ascension of the Lord Parish in Lagro, Quezon City, novena masses were celebrated from May 12 to 20. This year’s feast coincides with the 45th parish fiesta.
According to the New Testament, the Ascension of Jesus refers to the physical departure of Jesus Christ into heaven in the presence of eleven of His apostles.
In the Christian tradition, reflected in the major Christian creeds and confessional statements, God exalted Jesus after His death, raising Him from the dead, and taking Him to heaven, where Jesus took His seat at the right hand of God.
In Christian art, the ascending Jesus is often shown blessing an earthly group below Him, signifying the entire Church.
The Feast of the Ascension is celebrated on the 40th day of Easter.
Also called Ascension Day, Ascension Thursday, or sometimes Holy Thursday, it is one of the ecumenical feasts of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter, and Pentecost.
Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51 and Acts 1:2), although some Christian denominations have moved the observance to a Sunday.