PHOTOS: Catholics gather at site of Jesus’ ascension in Jerusalem

An external view of the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem during the procession of the Franciscan friars after the First Vespers of the Ascension solemnity, on May 8, 2024. The procession circled the chapel three times. | Credit: Marinella Bandini


On the solemnity of the Ascension, Christians in Jerusalem ascended to the top of the Mount of Olives, where tradition places the exact location of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. It is the only day of the year when they have the right to celebrate the liturgy in the Chapel of the Ascension, which is currently under Muslim control.

The octagonal chapel visible today is what remains of the Crusader-era church. (The first church dates back to the fourth century.) Inside, a rock is venerated on which it is believed that the last earthly footprint of Jesus before ascending to heaven is imprinted.

The rock venerated inside the Chapel of the Ascension, on the Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem. According to tradition, the last earthly footprint of Jesus before ascending to Heaven is imprinted on this rock. Credit: Marinella Bandini

On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 8, local Christians began gathering at the site of the Ascension. In the absence of the custos of the Holy Land, the custodial vicar, Father Ibrahim Faltas, performed the solemn entry and presided over the first vespers of the solemnity, followed by a procession that circled the chapel three times.

Continued below.