(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.