Hemingstone, St Gregory

FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM MAY 2025

ROGATIONTIDE WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO US IN 2025?

The word Rogation comes from the Latin word “Rogare” meaning to ask and historically Rogation Days is a time to ask God for a fruitful harvest. Rogation Sunday falls on 25th May this year as it is always the fifth Sunday of Easter, it is also the Sunday before Ascension Day when Jesus ascended to heaven now his earthly ministry was over.

In about 465 a series of earthquakes, storms, disease and wild beasts terrified the inhabitants of Western Europe apparently. In order to restore some degree of morale, Mamertus, Bishop of Vienne, instituted a custom whereby rogations and supplications were made during ceremonial processions on Ascension Day or one of the three preceding days. Divine protection was asked for and the custom was adopted in England early in the eighth century. Later, these processions became disorderly and at the time of the Reformation they were prohibited. During Queen Elizabeth I reign the ‘walking of the bounds’ was introduced. Members of the parish walked the boundaries to ensure everyone knew where they were, there was to be no encroachment beyond the boundary line! Deeds on properties and Ordnance Survey maps in ‘modern times’ has made the custom unnecessary but in the days of unenclosed commons and wide expanses of heathland such perambulations were of great importance.

‘Well dressing’ is another custom still observed in some rural areas when, if a well or spring continued to run during a time of drought, the people used to express their thanks by placing garlands of flowers beside it, and it is from this that the custom of dressing wells with flowers in the form of pictures is thought to originate.

So what about these modern times? We still have walks on Rogation Sunday/Days, we are so fortunate to live in the peaceful countryside of Suffolk which is delightful of course and it is always to share our worship. However, nowadays the Rogation season has acquired renewed importance as a time to pray for the protection of all the natural world. Our gardens are looking more like Summer and the countryside wild flowers have been glorious especially in our churchyards but this is not the case everywhere, far from it, we know the threats our world faces, so many environmental issues. We must work to safeguard and focus on the stewardship we have been given by God and that means caring for ‘all good gifts around us’. In our prayers maybe we can ask God for a little bit extra as well as asking for a fruitful harvest and for the farmers who ensure we are provided for. It is a time to pray and reflect at Rogationtide.

For the fruits of his creation, thanks be to God! For his gifts to every nation,thanks be to God! For the ploughing, sowing, reaping,

silent growth while we are sleeping; future needs in earth’s safe seeking,

thanks be to God.

Hazel Chittock. Lay Elder

Hemingstone, St Gregory

Hemingstone, St Gregory

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Benefice Forest Church

Benefice Forest Church

From the Ministry Team - May

Hemingstone, St Gregory

Hemingstone, St Gregory

Get in touch

Benefice Forest Church

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From the Ministry Team - May