Dennis Emmons on Ember Days and Rogation Days

"If you are a Catholic under age 50, you might not be familiar with two long-practiced penitential periods known as Ember days and Rogation days. For centuries, these days were among the most solemn times of the Church year. Periods of intense penitential practices, they took on the flavor of Lent, including obligatory fasting, almsgiving and abstinence. For 15 centuries, Ember days have been part of the Church, and Rogation days can be traced back to pagan Rome."

In a recent commentary, writer Dennis Emmons reflected on the meaning of the Church's observvance of Ember Days and Rogation Days.

To access Mr. Emmons' complete essay, please visit:


OSV Newsweekly: Giving thanks for the fruits of the earth (3 FEB 16)