Ascension – Deasgabháil – Fleadh Nua – 1ú Meitheamh 2025
Pics kind courtesy of John O’Neill
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension. Féile na Deasgabhála.
It marks the end of the end of the presence of the Risen Lord on earth after 40 days of Resurrection appearances post Easter Sunday. 40 laethannta nó mar sin théis Domhnach na Cásga.
Fleadh Nua
It also marks the end of the annual few days here in Ennis of the Fleadh Nua. On the feast of Corpus Christi last year we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Fleadh Nua in Ennis. Bhí Iubhaile Órga den Fleadh Nua againn ar fhéile Chorp Chríost bliain ó shin anseo.
The Ascension, like the delights of our native Music raises our hearts and souls from the routine, the mundane, the ordinary to the heights of transcendence. The Glory of the Lord revealed and the beauty of good music are signs of the goodness of the creator Lord to us all.
Nagle and Potts Fresco
The Ascension is a very special feast day here in the Cathedral because of the this magnificent depiction of the Ascension here in the sanctuary, an image that he led people to worship since 1894. It was the work of the studio of artists called Nagle and Potts. Íomha den deasgabháil. Íosa ag filleadh abhaile. Jesus returning home to the glory of heaven in the company of his beloved Father. Being seen off by His Mother Mary and the eleven disciples.
Mixed Emotions
While on the one hand there is a sadness in that the Risen Lord seems to be departing. On the other hand there is a deeper meaning that raises the spirits in that with the Ascension the work of the Lord is complete on earth and after that, with the coming of the Holy Spirit and the ongoing presence of the Risen Lord in the Church and the hearts of the believers He is still even more with us.
Passing on the Baton
In many ways it’s like the hand over time in the relay race. The baton of faith is being passed over from the Lord to us as individuals and it is up to us to win that sprint to the finish and attain the glory of the Risen, Ascended, Transfigured Lord.
World Day for Social Communications
Finally the Feast of the Ascension every year is World Day for Social Communications. 2025 was the final Communications Day message published by the late Pope Francis RIP, which has as its theme ‘Share with gentleness the hope that is in your heart.’
The feast of the Ascension is a feast Good News. A hope filled feast. Féile shollúnta, áthasach, dóchasach.
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Visitation of Mary the joy of Mary sharing her good news of the birth of Jesus with her cousin Elizabeth. Mary is at the heart of the Ascension image here in the Cathedral above us. May we like Mary share that Good News of the Hope that is in us on this special feast day, Ascension Day, World Communications Day. Happy Ascension day! Moladh go Deo le Dia! Áiméan.