Today is the Solemnity of the Ascension

Old Calendar: St. Paschal Baylon, confessor

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you (John 15:1-4)".

Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar today was the feast of St. Paschal Baylon, who lived and died in the kingdom of Aragon, Spain. He spent his early years as a shepherd and often gave religious instruction to the shepherds on the hills of Aragon. At the age of twenty-four he entered the Franciscan Order and embraced the humble, austere life of a lay brother. He was noted for his devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Pope Leo XIII declared him protector of all Eucharistic Congresses and works. His feast is no longer on the calendar in the United States.

The ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and Omaha have retained the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord on the proper Thursday, while all other provinces have transferred this solemnity to the Seventh Sunday of Easter.

Source: Catholic Culture