Rogation Days set for May 14-16

May 10, 2007

My Dear Friends in Christ,

The Church always wishes to be with her people in all that they do. Because we are a rural diocese, many of us are intimately involved in the agriculture that is so important to our corner of Iowa. We stand not only with the farmers who till and harvest, but also with all those whose livelihoods depend on the success of the crops. This agricultural economy is a great blessing to the world. The generous gifts of God's bounty are poured forth in the fruits of the earth, and those who labor to bring forth those gifts are a means of divine charity and grace for those who eat of the fruits.

By ancient custom, the Church observes a special period of blessings and prayers for all these people and their work. These "Rogation Days" have been followed on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension Thursday, since at least the sixth century. Our diocese, too, has traditionally followed this same hallowed custom. This year, we will pray the Rogation Days on May 14, 15, and 16. Knowing our utter dependence on God for every part of our existence, we will pray trustingly for protection of workers and crops, for favorable weather, and for abundant harvests justly shared with all.

We know that God is always loving and generous, and offers us only what is good and useful for our bodies and souls. We have no need to appease His anger, nor to beg for the goodness that He gives so freely. We know that, whatever God gives us, it is for our benefit if we can accept it in grace and humility.

In our rogations this week, we certainly ask sincerely that God will grant what is petitioned. But we are also praying so that we will grow in conformity to His will; so that we might understand and accept what is good about Providence, when it might not appear good to us. This kind of spiritual growth requires change and sacrifice on our part; and so, also by ancient custom, Rogation Days have always included a penitential element of fasting.

I encourage all of you to fast in some way on these three days, especially if you will participate in the Rogation prayers and blessings. Because these rogations are for the labor and the fruits of the fields, it would be particularly appropriate to fast in your eating or working. You might fast from meat or from dessert at one or more meals each day; or you might refrain from putting in another hour of overtime, to be at home with your family instead. This fast is not for us to impress or bribe God with our faithfulness and piety, but rather to practice appreciating what is good in the many blessings God already showers upon us.

My dear friends, let us always remember to thank God every day for His many gifts and blessings. We are all so richly blessed. By our prayers, may we cooperate with the good work that God always brings to fruition in His creation and in His Church. May we daily join in the praise and thanksgiving of all the saints already in His beatific presence, especially Mary, patron of our diocese and all the Americas; Joseph, patron of our diocese and of all workers; and Isidore, patron of farmers.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City