Abundant Life Garden Project: Blessing of a Garden for Rogation
The blessing of farms or gardens is strongly “rooted” in Anglican tradition. On Rogation Days, the
community would process around the perimeter of the parish with banners and bells, marking the
boundaries of property at memorable trees or other landmarks. The work “rogation” derives from the
Latin word rogare – “to ask.”
This modern interpretation of a Rogation Day blessing uses the ancient form of this procession, while
incorporating the theological concepts of our Baptismal Covenant. Instead of setting up boundaries
around their gardens (and their hearts), participants are encouraged to break down the boundaries of
purely self-centered concerns. In the biblical tradition of using gardening imagery as a teaching tool for
spiritual growth, communities are led in praying for their harvest as a means of sharing with those in
need both locally and around the world – and in growing toward the full stature of Christ.
community would process around the perimeter of the parish with banners and bells, marking the
boundaries of property at memorable trees or other landmarks. The work “rogation” derives from the
Latin word rogare – “to ask.”
This modern interpretation of a Rogation Day blessing uses the ancient form of this procession, while
incorporating the theological concepts of our Baptismal Covenant. Instead of setting up boundaries
around their gardens (and their hearts), participants are encouraged to break down the boundaries of
purely self-centered concerns. In the biblical tradition of using gardening imagery as a teaching tool for
spiritual growth, communities are led in praying for their harvest as a means of sharing with those in
need both locally and around the world – and in growing toward the full stature of Christ.