Rogation
How
often we hear of the hardships and difficulties faced in the rural and farming communities.
Here in Jevington we are fortunate to live in a beautiful rural parish situated
in the South Downs where we witness the seasons by way of the farming year, the
ploughing, sowing, harvesting and the raising of livestock. Rogation is
therefore a special way in which we can remember all who live and work in our
parish and especially those involved in farming in our community.
Rogation
taking place in springtime, after Easter and continues the underlying theme of
Renewal and Resurrection.
Each year we follow the tradition of going out into the
parish with a special Rogation procession. We pause at various point in the
village, to sing hymns and pray for God's blessing on all who live in the
parish, for the farmers, their crops and animals. We follow a safe route keeping
to footpaths and welcome visitors, families and especially any South Down's Way
walkers to join with us on this special event of the church year.
Above is a photograph of the procession about to leave
the churchyard in 1948. Below is the procession passing Street Farm in 2005.
Rogation Sunday falls annually on the 5th Sunday after Easter. It derives its
name from the Latin word 'Rogare' - To Ask. The collect for that
day in the Prayer Book says: 'Whatever you ask the father in my name, he will
give you'.
In
the Christian Church, processions to bless crops developed from the old Roman
rites of 'Robigalia' (robigo - latin for mould), when prayers were said
for crops to be spared from mildew.
By
the 17th century the tradition of defining and remembering parish boundaries
came into being and 'Beating the Bounds' became an annual parish ritual. The
Victorians combined the themes of Rogation and Beating the Bounds into one
event.
With
a parish boundary of over 12 miles, much covering steep areas of downland, it
not surprising that we don't beat the bounds annual. A group from the church
last walked the entire boundary in 1987.
Today,
contemporary concerns at Rogation include :
Conservation
of land and species of plant an animal life not directly offering profit.
Ecological
balance and man's relationship as managers of land and creatures.
Access
and enjoyment to the countryside for all.
The
relief of those in need. Rogation Sunday often precedes Christina Aid Week.
With
growing concern about the changes in our world, Rogation also focuses our minds
on our environment and the way we can best use the earth's resources and protect
it for future generations.
May we learn to care more wisely for God’s
Creation
And to reflect his love in our imperfect world.
Ts
4
R