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The story at the end of this account is very ancient and is still preserved in, of all places, Spain, where it is performed in the town of Elche (near Valencia) on the Feast of the Assumption every year. It is the only surviving medieval Mystery play and is performed in the Cathedral. Much much of it and its music was rewritten in the 18th century, but the story is the same. The entire performance is done by the townspeople, and it is a matter of great pride for the men to be part of this performance, from generation to generation.

The part of the Virgin is sung by a boy, of course, and there is a particularly beautiful song as the Virgin is preparing to die. Then all of the Apostles start coming into the church - there is the miracle with the conversion of the Jewish spectator - and Our Lady even delays her Assumption so that St. Thomas, the Apostle who had gone furthest afield (to India), can return in time to see her! Finally, Our Lady is lifted up to Heaven (the dome of the Cathedral) in a piece of stage machinery built in the 18th century while the Apostles sing a very beautiful song. After this, the fireworks begin and go on for hours outside the Cathedral.

It is called the Misterio de Elche. Worth seeing if you are ever in Spain at that time of year, although you have to make arrangements well in advance to get in. If you are visiting at another time of year, the town of Elche (also spelled Elx, in Catalan) has a museum dedicated to the play. Spain was very influenced by Byzantine Christianity, btw, because it was evangelized very early.

"If you are visiting at another time of year, the town of Elche (also spelled Elx, in Catalan) has a museum dedicated to the play."

I haven't been to Spain in 25 years...but I love Spain and as a young attorney spent a great deal of time there on business. Every year we say we'll go back, but it always seems we end up somewhere else...usually Greece!:) I would indeed like to see this Mystery Play which sounds like it follows Holy Tradition precisely.