“Beating the Bounds” on Rogation Sunday

Today is Rogation Sunday – a traditional service that asks for God’s protection of the agriculture industry, livestock, and crops. In England, it occurs during the planting season. The three days following are considered Rogation Days, where Christians are encouraged to fast and pray ahead of Ascension Day.

The tradition involves the incumbent walking the boundaries of the parish – which called “beating the bounds” – praying the Great Litany as well as psalms and asking for God‘s blessing for well-being of that particular community.

It is still observed by some of our parishes today, such as Southwell Minster who processed to NTU Brakenhurst and St Giles’, Edingley where Bishop Paul has preached today.