Members of Holy Cross Parish in Ipswich recently celebrated the annual Rogation Days Procession on May 10. The Minor Rogation Days are on the last three days before Ascension Thursday and were instituted to appease divine justice, ask for protection, and invoke God’s blessing on the harvest. The Litany of the Saints is chanted in procession with the cross and people praying and asking for God’s blessing.
The Minor Rogation Days are a time focused on asking God’s blessing in the planting season for an abundant harvest and for protection against calamities such as disease, bad weather and natural disasters.
Fifteen-year-old Logan Hoerner recognizes the value of these prayers and blessings. His favorite bible verse is Deuteronomy 28:8, “The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land.”
“I like this verse because I like agriculture, and it represents that the Lord will look over your farm, and everything you own,” Logan said. “If you think you are going to have a bad crop, and the ground is very dry, turn to God and pray, and he will bless your fields, and if there is a bad storm coming, get the Holy Water out and sprinkle your farm. Turn to God and pray that your farm will be safe and it won’t destroy your buildings.”
Rogation Days are promoted by Catholic Rural Life, a national Catholic organization promoting Catholic life in rural America with support from the bishops of the United States.
Father Tim Smith is the delegate for Catholic Rural Life in the Diocese of Sioux Falls and is given the responsibility to continue and promote these important traditions of our Catholic faith in rural parishes.
Father Smith said these important prayers strengthen our relationship with God and help us live with gratitude for all of God’s gifts.
For more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Rural Life organization, contact Father Smith at Holy Cross Parish or visit catholicrurallife.org.
