Rogation Day Mass
In preparation for the Rogation Day Mass on April 18, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Schnellville was beautifully decorated with spring flowers, bags of seed and toy tractors. Parked outside were tractors and farm machinery which farmers and gardeners had driven to the church.
Melvin Ziliak from St. Bernard Parish in Snake Run comes to the Rogation Day Mass every year. He believes it’s a “nice way to start the season as we pray for a blessing of the fields and crops.”
John Kern from Mary, Help of Christians Parish in Mariah Hill has attended every Rogation Day Mass in the Diocese of Evansville but one. He said, “I come and pray for favorable weather.”
Ryan Verkamp, choir director at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated Rogation Day with his son, Nathan, who is a sixth generation farmer in the Schnellville/St. Anthony area.
In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the town of Schnellville, several women and children came dressed in period clothing. Among them were Ella and Adalee Hopf, who attended the Mass with their mother, Tara Hopf, for the first time. The girls also helped pass out packets of seeds after the Mass.
The Rogation Service began with the Litany of Saint Isidore, the patron saint of farmers and farm laborers, which was prayed outside the church. During the procession into church, the Litany of Saints was sung.
During the homily, Bishop Thompson recalled the farming that his own family did. He said that his brother is a great farmer, but that he didn’t plant his own garden until two years ago. As a gardener now himself, he has learned the need for patience and prayer, noting that the soil and light combinations to be successful for a good bounty.
He said, “You have a better chance of having my prayers than you do of a good garden from me!”
He mentioned that working with the earth -- planting, nurturing and fertilizing -- is a lot like the flow of life. “We know that, like seeds, our lives need faith to take root. Faith nourishes our lives if we root ourselves to God.”
In reference to the First Reading John 3:16, “God so loved the world that He sent His only Son,” the bishop said, “As farmers and gardeners, you give yourselves up for your families and communities who will reap the benefits of your crops.”
He added that farmers experience much anxiety which can be calmed by placing their trust in God. He encouraged them to “rely on God’s grace, be thankful for their farms and the gifts and talents to work them, and trust that God will provide.”
Together, the group prayed for a good planting season, peace of mind and prayer rooted in the trust and confidence in God, while Bishop Thompson blessed soils and seeds brought by farmers.
