The official ecclesiastical designation for this day is “The Feast of the Ascension.” In keeping with its name, it commemorates the day the risen Christ ascended into heaven. Saint Augustine contended this holy day was first observed in the apostolic era. That would make it one of the earliest Christian holidays. By tradition, the date was established as the 39 days after Easter. That means it should always fall on a Thursday.

In many European nations, Ascension Thursday is widely celebrated as both a religious and a public holiday. It is religious in that the churches are open for a special time of worship. It is public in that Ascension Thursday is listed on national event calendars and government offices are closed. For that matter, banks and libraries are closed. There is no Ascension…