In celebrating an Ascension Thursday Mass at Ascension Church in Upper West Manhattan, Cardinal Timothy Dolan reminded the faithful that Jesus “has not left us. He’s still alive. He’s still active. He’s still teaching!”

The liturgy was held May 29 in English and Spanish at the multicultural, multi-socioeconomic parish located on West 107th Street. Several hundred people attended the evening gathering.

“Happy Feast Day, Happy Anniversary,” Cardinal Dolan said during his welcoming remarks, coordinators having noted that this year marks 130 years since the parish was established. (The parish could not celebrate its 125th anniversary because of the Covid-19 pandemic.)

“What a joy and honor it is for me as your archbishop to be here with you,” the cardinal told the people early in the homily. “I’m so grateful for your love and loyalty to Jesus and His Church. Thanks for the invitation, and thanks for all you’ve done to get us here.”

He spoke about the importance of the feast day, noting, “This is a tremendous feast of jubilation; this is a magnificent feast of joy and gratitude.” He elaborated, sharing the four reasons for this celebration: Jesus tells us He goes to heaven to prepare a place for us. The Lord said He will return again. Christ said He has to go back to the Father so that He can send us the Holy Spirit. “That’s going to happen on Pentecost Sunday,” the cardinal noted.

The fourth reason for being joyful and grateful, he noted, is because Jesus said, “I am with you all days even ‘til the end of time.”

“So He has not left us. He’s still alive. He’s still active. He’s still teaching,” Cardinal Dolan said,  adding, “He’s still healing. He’s still inviting. He’s still calling. He’s still forgiving. He’s still forming a people. And in this great parish, for 130 years, He has been here. He continues here to reach out in love and charity and service…He’s with us in the Holy Eucharist.” 

Chuck and Suzanne Pinnix, parish members for over a year, were among the faithful who attended the Mass; they said the liturgy was “very beautiful,” with Mrs. Pinnix telling The Good Newsroom, “It’s a very friendly, welcoming parish – and we love the (choir) music. We feel very at home here.”

Also in attendance was longtime parishioner Elba Hernandez, who said, “Everything (about the Mass) was very good; thanks be to God. I am very grateful to our pastor and the cardinal…I rely on my faith every day. It enlightens me.”

In welcoming and closing remarks, Father Daniel Kearney, parish pastor, expressed words of gratitude to all and joy over the occasion. “Your eminence, your presence is a blessing for us,” Father Kearney told the cardinal. The liturgy was followed by a reception in the parish hall.