In the Prayer we plead for grace to be "sincere" witnesses not in words but works. For this we offer this sacrifice (Secret) to cleanse us of past disloyalties and strengthen us for future testimony.
Though not commemorated in the 1960 rubrics, this Sunday is Feast of St. Paschal Baylon C., born in Spain, who had a special power to control evil spirits. Perhaps St. Paschal is working overtime these days! St. Paschal - pray for us!
The season of Ascension is very short. In the Office, the Versicle of the Nocturn varies with the day. Masses with no particular Preface use that of Ascension. Readings emphasize the Ascension Season. Sadly, the Octave of Ascension was abolished prior to changes of 1960, but it still lives on via popular devotion in the Novena to the Holy Ghost.