Members of St Francis’ Church, Marishes, will offer prayers for the life of their community in a traditional rogation service on Sunday 10th May at 6pm.
The service stems from fifth-century Gaul (now modern-day France) when the Bishop of Vienne ordered congregations to offer special prayers as they processed around their fields, asking God’s blessing on their crops and livelihoods.
When the practice spread to England, the ‘beating of the bounds’ was added. This meant that when the congregation reached the boundary of the parish, they would beat the ground with sticks, traditionally made of willow.
The service on 10th May at Marishes Church therefore presents a wonderful opportunity to praise God, to ask for his blessing on the animals, crops, and waters which serve the community, and to pray for the life of that community and its Church.
The Vicar, Fr Antony Pritchett, said, "This rogation service is a new venture for Marishes, but resurrects a very ancient tradition where the Church seeks God’s blessing on the life of the community in which it is set."
All are welcome to this short but very special procession, which includes hymns, Bible readings and prayers. However, please do bring a stick with you if you would like to take part in the beating of the bounds!
For more information concerning the service, contact the Curate, Fr Christopher Johnson, on 01751 269061, like our benefice page on Facebook, or follow @PickeringChurch on Twitter.