Iowa deacon resurrects the ancient Catholic tradition of Ember days

[rug]

Deacon Eric Bertrand of Warren County, Iowa, and Deacon Tom Hunkele of Des Moines blessed hogs. The two are reviving the ancient Catholic tradition of Ember days. (CNS/Kelly Mescher Collins, Diocese of Des Moines)

By Kelly Mescher Collins
Catholic News Service | May 4, 2015

CHARITON, Iowa — The ancient Catholic tradition of Ember days has been resurrected in the Diocese of Des Moines by a deacon who serves in rural ministry.

Deacon Eric Bertrand, assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Chariton and Holy Trinity Parish in Lacona, said he was inspired to reintroduce the prayer and fasting traditions of Ember days while reading Pope Francis’ 2013 apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”).

The pope “talked about reawakening popular devotion,” Bertrand said. “There was a lot of talking and discernment (among deacons in rural ministry). We started to explore bringing our spirituality out of the church.”

As a result, priests and deacons will, by request, make home visits to farmers who would like their seed, livestock, water sources, equipment, tools, and land blessed. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local parish.

http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2015/05/04/iowa-deacon-resurrects-the-ancient-catholic-tradition-of-ember-days/

[hrmjustin]

1. We still have it in the Episcopal Church.

[rug]

2. How do they celebrate in the Village?

Frankly, I had never heard of it.

[hrmjustin]

3. Lol not very well.

But yes the more rural parishes do celebrate this.

[beemer27]

4. Great Idea

I've never heard of this before, but think that it is an excellent way to bring religion into everyday life. Prayer and God should not be a once a week proposition. They should be a way of life.

[rug]

5. That's when it's most meaningful.