The Vigil of the Ascension of the Lord, observed on the evening before Ascension Thursday, marks the moment when Jesus ascended into heaven, as described in Acts 1:9-11. This vigil prepares the faithful to celebrate Christ’s triumphant return to the Father, completing His earthly mission and commissioning His disciples to spread the Gospel. The liturgy often includes special readings, hymns, and prayers, reflecting on Christ’s glory, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the mission of the Church. The Vigil emphasizes hope, as the ascension signals the ongoing presence of Christ in the life of the Church, leading toward Pentecost.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Solemnity to be observed in Canada.
(*) denotes that the Ascension is a moveable observance date. This date is determined based on Easter Sunday, a moveable feast based on the lunar and solar cycles of the Jewish calendar.