Blessing of the Fields
Sister Michele Morek, congregational leader, blesses the wheat field with holy water Thursday morning. |
The rain held off long enough Thursday morning, May 8, for about 20 sisters and a few staff members to gather near the cemetery for the annual “Blessing of the Fields.”
Sister Michele Morek, congregational leader of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, led those gathered in prayer, and everyone joined to recite this blessing:
Sister Mary Patrick McDonagh decided the fields needed a “left-handed blessing” as Father Tom Kirkendoll and other sisters look on. |
“Almighty God, you created this world to bring forth an abundance of living things with food in plenty to sustain your creatures. Through the Cross and Resurrection of Christ Jesus, your Son, overturn the ancient curse upon the ground with the promise of a new creation. Make this earth fertile and fruitful for the planting and growing of our crops, so that the hungry may rejoice in your provident blessings. Make our hearts also fertile ground for the sowing of your Word that Christ may produce a rich harvest of good works in the Spirit among us. By your blessing may we be fruitful and bear witness to your bounty, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
After blessing the wheat field behind her, Sister Michele Morek told the sisters who gathered they needed to be fruitful as well, as she blessed them. |
Those gathered sang a verse and the refrain from “Canticle of the Sun,” then Bruce Blandford, farm manager, read from the first chapter of Genesis. After the Psalm 65 response, a prayer by Sister Michele and a short hymn, Sister Michele blessed the fields in four directions, and also blessed the sisters, telling them they should be fruitful as well. The celebration concluded with singing “How Great Thou Art.”
Bruce said the farm could use some sunny days and less rain.