Rogation Shrines

Rogation Shrines. . , In the early centuries of Christianity, the Western Church instituted the observation of Rogation Days to invoke God's mercy. , The word rogation is derived from the Latin word rogare, which means "to ask." , According to local custom, processions were held on the three days prior to Ascension Thursday. , After mass the priest would lead the parishioners from the church to a rogation shrine. Along the way, the rosary would be prayed, the Litany of the Saints would be sung, or other prayers would be said asking God to bless the fields and the newly planted crops so a bountiful harvest would follow in the fall. , Shrines were located one mile east, west, north and reportedly south of St. Lawrence Church, Stangelville. Today only the one to the north remains at the intersection of Highway AB and Pine Grove Road. , Another Bohemian shrine that is still in existence is located one mile north of St. Joseph Church, Pilsen, at the intersection of county roads F and V. , Several ethnic groups practiced this custom in Northeastern Wisconsin. Eventually such processions were discontinued in part due to the danger posed by automobile traffic. , , Ja Jsem Cesta (I Am the Road) , Pravda A Zivat (Truth and Life) , Kdove Imme Uveri (Who Believes in Me) , A Poksten Bude (and Baptized Will) , Pasen Bade (Be Saved) , , The inscription on the rogation shrine north of Pilsen..