Southern Nebraska Register
Members of St. Francis of Assisi Oratory in Lincoln participated in a “Rogation Days” procession May 15.
They were joined by members of Immaculate Conception Church in Omaha and Fraternity of Saint Peter apostolates for the procession around the LaPlante ranch near Ceresco. The procession included the singing of the Litany of the Saints, as well as prayers for protection of animals and crops, and from natural disasters.
After the procession, Father Joseph Heffernan, FSSP from St. Francis of Assisi Oratory in Lincoln, offered a High Mass in a small chapel in an adapted garage, and a potluck meal followed. David and Edi LaPlante have hosted Rogation days since 2010 on their acreage. Approximately 80 people attended this year.
Rogation comes from the Latin, “rogare,” to ask. Father Brian Wirth, diocesan director of rural life, explained that Rogation Days are specific days of prayer and fasting “set aside by the Church to ask God’s graces, namely, His mercy in view of man’s transgressions, protection from natural calamities, for rain, and to obtain a good and bountiful harvest.”
Rogation Masses are typically celebrated April 25, the feast of St. Mark, and the three days prior to the Ascension, May 15-17 this year. More information about Rogation Days is available at catholicrurallife.org, as well as prayers and blessings for all aspects of Catholic rural life.
Photos courtesy Ron Lawson
