Rogation Days would have been a good idea!

I'm sure you have prayed for the victims of the recent horrible natural disasters that have plagued Haiti, Japan, Joplin, MO, and other parts of the U.S., and around the world. A tornado watch was in effect for the NY tristate area, including Fairfield County until 8 p.m. Wednesday. A tornado did hit Springfield Massachusetts, about 60 miles from here. That's a little too close to home! Thankfully, there are no fatalities reported, but there are casualties and some significant tree and property damage.

In the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, the days leading up to Ascension Thursday are designated to pray for the blessing of crops and also for safety from natural disasters. Fr. Z writes about it here. 

The name "Rogation" comes from the Latin "rogare", to ask. Rogation Days originated in the  the fifth century, when a Diocese in France was experiencing earthquakes and "other calamities", and was then later introduced into the Church's general observance by Pope Leo III.

The Litany of the Saints, psalms, and Mass is celebrated, along with a procession. A fast and/or penances may also be observed by the faithful.

I'll be saying the Litany tonight when I pray for those people in Springfield; and a prayer of thanksgiving that Fairfield County was spared.