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(Latin: ad, to; scandere, to
climb)
The elevation of Christ into heaven through His own power on the fortieth
day after His Resurrection, in the presence of His disciples (Mark 16;
Luke 24; Acts 1). It probably took place on Mount Olivet; an oratory has
been erected on the site, the original Christian basilica having been
destroyed and rebuilt and finally destroyed by the Mohammedans. It is
commemorated on Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter, and is an
aecumenical feast and consequently a holy day of obligation, having a
vigil and an octave. According to Saint Augustine, the observance of the
feast is of Apostolic origin. Early customs connected with the liturgy
were the blessing of beans and grapes after the Commemoration of the Dead
in the Canon of the Mass, blessing of first fruits, blessing of a candle,
wearing of miters by deacon and subdeacon. The paschal candle is
extinguished after the Gospel of the Mass. Among the many masters who have
painted the subject of the Ascension are Fra Angelico, Perugino,
Tintorretto, Della Robbia, and Pinturicchio.
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