The Ascension is the last step of the earthly life of Jesus. The last step on a stone which, according to tradition, is just outside Jerusalem in an area where today most of the inhabitants are Muslim. The edicule itself – a small circular building which commemorates that moment – is Muslim property. Transformed into a mosque in the times of Saladin, what was once open now has a dome covering it.
Christians are allowed to celebrate offices and Masses here only on the Feast of the Ascension. This year, the Franciscans alternated with Greek Orthodox, Armenians, Copts, Ethiopians and Syriacs; like Easter, the feast that commemorates the Ascension to Heaven of the Saviour falls on the same date for all the Christian denominations in Jerusalem. According to the rules of the status quo, the celebrations followed a sequence with precise times on the eve of Wednesday June 1st, and then on the Feast celebrated on Thursday June 2nd.
The friars of the Custody were the first to enter the edicule on wednesday afternoon. Presiding at the divine office and the nightly vigil was Father Artemio Vitores, Custodial Vicar. The Apostolic Delegate, His Excellency Most Reverend Antonio Franco, celebrated the first of the many Masses which followed on one another – all night long.
At 5.30 on thursday morning, the Vicar again presided at the Solemn Mass for the Ascension. In his homily, Father Artemio recalled the need to follow the path of Christ, which became concrete in precise places: Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and lastly, the stone of his last step.
“On the moment of departure,” he continued, “especially when a known and loved person departs, there is always sadness. The great invitation of Jesus, however is for joy and hope, to continue on this path with Him, who every day is Present in the hands of the priest, through the Eucharist. Together with Mary and the Apostles, we are also called upon to testify to this Presence in joy.
By Serena Picariello
Photos by Marco Gavasso
Christians are allowed to celebrate offices and Masses here only on the Feast of the Ascension. This year, the Franciscans alternated with Greek Orthodox, Armenians, Copts, Ethiopians and Syriacs; like Easter, the feast that commemorates the Ascension to Heaven of the Saviour falls on the same date for all the Christian denominations in Jerusalem. According to the rules of the status quo, the celebrations followed a sequence with precise times on the eve of Wednesday June 1st, and then on the Feast celebrated on Thursday June 2nd.
The friars of the Custody were the first to enter the edicule on wednesday afternoon. Presiding at the divine office and the nightly vigil was Father Artemio Vitores, Custodial Vicar. The Apostolic Delegate, His Excellency Most Reverend Antonio Franco, celebrated the first of the many Masses which followed on one another – all night long.
At 5.30 on thursday morning, the Vicar again presided at the Solemn Mass for the Ascension. In his homily, Father Artemio recalled the need to follow the path of Christ, which became concrete in precise places: Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and lastly, the stone of his last step.
“On the moment of departure,” he continued, “especially when a known and loved person departs, there is always sadness. The great invitation of Jesus, however is for joy and hope, to continue on this path with Him, who every day is Present in the hands of the priest, through the Eucharist. Together with Mary and the Apostles, we are also called upon to testify to this Presence in joy.
By Serena Picariello
Photos by Marco Gavasso