Vigil of the Ascension

Vigil of the Ascension

Apart from the Rogations, the Church is filled with joy, and assuming white vestments, is preparing for the solemn Feast of the Ascension by a special kind of Vigil, when the Gloria in excelsis is sung. No fasting or abstinence is observed.

The Mass abounds in outbursts of joy because the Saviour of mankind is about to enter triumphantly in heaven into the glory of the Father after delivering us from Satan and sin.

Mass is as for the Fifth Sunday after Easter.

Vocem jucunditatis annuntiate, et audiatur, alleluia: annuntiate usque ad extremum terrae: liberavit Dominus populum suum, alleluia, alleluia. * Jubilate Deo, omnis terra, psalmum dicite nomini ejus: date gloriam laudi ejus.
Declare it with the voice of joy, and make it known, alleluia : declare it even to the ends of the earth : The Lord hath delivered His people, alleluia, alleluia. * Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to His name: give glory to His praise.
(Isaias 48:20 and Psalm 65:1-2 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, a quo bona cuncta procedunt, largire supplicibus tuis: ut cogitemus, te inspirante, quae recta sunt; et, te gubernante, eadem faciamus.
O God, from whom all good things do proceed, grant unto Thy humble servants, that by Thy holy inspiration, we may think those things that are right, and under Thy merciful guidance may perform the same.
(Collect)