Each year, on the three days leading up to the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension, our community takes part in the long-standing tradition of the Church to hold Minor Litanies, or “Rogation Processions,” to invoke the mercy of God, the prayers of the saints, deliverance from evil, and protection of our land. Rogation Procession litanies consist of four main parts. First, we invoke the three Divine Persons, with the response, “Miserere nobis” (Have mercy on us). Second, we invoke the intercession of Mary, the Apostles, and groups of saints, with the response, “Ora pro nobis” (Pray for us). Third, we pray for protection from evils of body and soul, through the merits of Christ, with the response, “Libera nos, Domine” (Deliver us, O Lord). Fourth, we pray for particular blessings for the Church and the world, with the response, “Te rogamus, audi nos” (We beseech Thee, hear us).
