FORTY DAYS after Easter, the Church celebrates the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. As the Preface of the Mass says, "the Lord Jesus, the King of glory, conqueror of sin and death, ascended (today) to the highest heavens, as the Angels gazed in wonder. Mediator between God and man, judge of the world and Lord of hosts."

Saint Matthew narrates that, before going to heaven, Jesus ratified the apostolic mission of his disciples: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Mt 28:18-20).

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Dear Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and Visitors,

In the next two weeks, we will be celebrating the Solemnity of Pentecost, a day when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus' disciples. In preparation for this solemnity, today's gospel presents Jesus speaking to His disciples-and to us -about the Holy Spirit and how we should prepare to receive Him. Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and Hе will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth” (John 14:16).

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