When is the Ascension 2026?
In 2026, Ascension falls on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Where it is transferred to Sunday (as in most U.S. dioceses), it is observed on May 17, 2026.
The Ascension of the Lord commemorates Jesus’ ascension into heaven, forty days after Easter. It is a holy day of obligation, traditionally celebrated on a Thursday; in most dioceses of the United States it is transferred to the following Sunday.
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Key liturgical dates in 2026
| Ash Wednesday | February 18, 2026 |
| Palm Sunday | March 29, 2026 |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 |
| Easter Sunday | April 5, 2026 |
| Ascension | May 14, 2026 |
| Pentecost | May 24, 2026 |
See all liturgical calendar dates →
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ascension in 2026?
In 2026, Ascension falls on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Why does the date of Ascension change each year?
Its date depends on the date of Easter, which is a movable feast set as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox. Because Easter moves, so do the feasts calculated from it.
Is Ascension a holy day of obligation?
Yes. The Ascension is a holy day of obligation. In most U.S. dioceses it is transferred from Thursday to the following Sunday; check with your local diocese.