KNOXVILLE LATIN MASS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
"ASCENSION THURSDAY" SUNDAY?
The Ascension of Our Lord has historically been celebrated on the 40th day of Eastertide--that is, on Thursdayof the sixth week of the Easter season. This remains the date of the Ascension on the universal Church calendar and for its celebration in the Vatican, but most U.S. dioceses have transferred the OF observance of the Ascension to the following Sunday. And the EF calendar also makes provision for the celebration of first class feasts as "external solemnities" on the nearest or following Sunday; the Vatican has indicated that this is quite appropriate in agreement with local (national or diocesan) church calendars. Note: In the extraordinary form, however, the Feast of the Ascension itself remains on Thursday (so the Mass and Divine Office of the Ascension can be celebrated then), even if for the spiritual benefit of the faithful the Mass of the Ascension is offered for them on the following Sunday (as in our case).
Thanks to Henry....
