Seeking Protection Against 'storms, Pestilence, Destruction'

Father John Boeglin grew up on a farm near St. James Parish in rural Haubstadt. He now owns a farm in that area; it’s where he plans to retire someday.

He’s the pastor at Holy Family Parish in Jasper and also the diocesan Rural Life director. It’s clear from talking with him that farming is dear to his heart. That’s why he’s promoted Rogation Day events almost every year since 1988.

This year, Rogation Day was held March 20 at St. Anthony Church in St. Anthony. There was a procession from the school into the church, and then Bishop Charles C. Thompson celebrated Mass.

About 250 attended. “It was amazing,” Father Boeglin said, noting people came from all 11 parishes in Dubois County as well as from Evansville, Fort Branch and Haubstadt.

The word “rogation” comes from the Latin word “rogare” which means “to ask,” and Rogation Day celebrations date all the way back to early Christian days. The first Rogation Day in the Diocese of Evansville was held on July 11, 1988, in Ferdinand “after six weeks of no rain,” Father Boeglin remembers. “People were pleading with me.”

The tradition became established over the years as farmers in the diocese brought their seeds and soil for a blessing at the end of the annual Rogation Day Mass.

Every year, participants recite the Litany of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers, asking for protection again “storms, pestilence and destruction,” he said.

There is always a procession, calling to mind the “journey of life, that we journey with Him in prayer,” and remembering Jesus processing to Jerusalem.

Next year, Rogation Day will be held on April 9 at Sacred Heart Church in Schnellville.