St. Anicetus, Pope and Martyr

Baltimore track

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Lesson 8 — On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

Q. 413.How did Christ show that He was truly risen from the dead?

A.Christ showed that He was truly risen from the dead by eating and conversing with His Apostles and others to whom He appeared. He showed the wounds in His hands, feet and side, and it was after His resurrection that He gave to His Apostles the power to forgive sins.

Q. 414.After Christ had remained forty days on earth, whither did He go?

A.After forty days Christ ascended into heaven, and the day on which he ascended into heaven is called Ascension Day.

Q. 415.Where did the ascension of Our Lord take place?

A.Christ ascended into heaven from Mount Olivet, the place made sacred by His agony on the night before His death.

Q. 416.Who were present at the ascension and who ascended with Christ?

A.From various parts of Scripture we may conclude there were about 125 persons--though traditions tell us there was a greater number--present at the Ascension. They were the Apostles, the Disciples, the pious women and others who had followed Our Blessed Lord. The souls of the just who were waiting in Limbo for the redemption ascended with Christ.