Rogation Sunday – 10th May 2026
From the Early Middle Ages, churches have celebrated the lesser-known and increasingly forgotten festival of Rogationtide. Early celebrations included the tradition of ‘’beating the bounds” of the parish – praying for God’s blessing upon agricultural land and thus the well-being of a community.
The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning ‘to ask’, reflecting the act of beseeching God in prayer for protection from calamities. As the Book of Common Prayer puts it, ‘Rogation Days precede Ascension Day (Thursday 14th May) and they are especially devoted to asked for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry.’
This year, Rogation Sunday falls on 10th May and provides an opportunity for our rural Benefice to seek God’s blessing – for our communities, residents and visitors, for businesses and charities, and for every endeavour that serves the common good. To mark this special Sunday and embrace this endangered Christian tradition we will be embarking on a Rogation Sunday walk between our three parishes. Please see the adjoining poster for more details on this, noting that the usual service times will change on this day.
On our walk we will pray for God’s blessing on the communities of Pett, Pett Level, Icklesham, Winchelsea Beach, and Winchelsea. As the Rector, I’m looking forward to this day of prayer and celebration, please join me for some or all of our Rogation Sunday Benefice Walk.
