Rogation Days set for May 22-24

May 18, 2006

My Dear Friends in Christ,

For many years we in the Diocese of Sioux City have celebrated Rogation Days in the spring of the year. Traditionally, these are days leading up to the Feast of the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord, days on which the Church in a public manner asks Almighty God for special blessings upon our land, for protection of our farmers and their crops, for favorable weather, and for an abundant harvest. This year these days of asking and prayer are to be celebrated on May 22, 23 and 24.

The Diocese of Sioux City is almost entirely a rural diocese. Many of our parishes are mostly comprised of farmers and laborers. Even the parishes in our cities and towns depend upon agriculture and agriculturally related businesses and industries for their prosperity. Therefore, we all have a very personal reason for asking God's blessings upon the crops and the labors of our farms.

Again this year, as for the past twenty-two years, the Diocesan Coalition to Preserve Family Farms is sending materials to all of our parishes to provide suggestions for prayer, reflection, paraliturgies and the celebration of the Eucharist on these special days. As we gather for prayer, ask Our Lord to instill within each of us a great respect for His creation and an appreciation for the most precious gifts given to us for stewardship-the land, water, and air. Let every farmer and laborer resolve to give prominent priority to the just and faithful stewardship of the land. Let us pray that all people may be good stewards of the earth, using wisely its riches and preserving its beauty for future generations. Ask the Lord of the harvest to bless the labor of those who till the soil, who guard and preserve it, and who labor with patience, hope and trust in God's generosity.

Almighty God has been very good to us in Northwest Iowa and has blessed us abundantly. During these days of prayer, let us give thanks to God for His goodness and be confident in His continued presence and blessings on our diocese. May the prayers of all the faithful of this diocese bring forth a rich and bountiful harvest this growing season and may God bless all of us and bless this fruitful, rich land of Northwest Iowa.

With all good wishes and kindest greetings, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City