Rogation Procession around Valley Forge Park Saturday May 9 at 10am

Rogation Procession around Valley Forge National Historical Park Saturday May 9 at 10 a.m. followed by a Revolutionary BBQ Luncheon prepared by Fr. Tommy! All are welcome!

Each year on the 6th Sunday of Easter, the church enters into “Rogationtide” which is a time of the year set aside specifically for intensified prayer.  Historically, the church has gone in procession into the world, reminding the evil powers that this world belongs to Jesus Christ.  In England, this included “the Beating of the Bounds” which simply means the church processes along its “parish boundary” marking the territory that belongs to Jesus Christ and praying for all within.  
 
Washington Memorial Chapel is unique as a destination parish with national and even worldwide impact.  As “The Nation’s Chapel,” Washington Memorial Chapel is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of faith, patriotism, and remembrance. As such, the “bounds” of our parish community far exceed temporal geography. Instead, our community reaches back in time to our Nation’s earliest foundations and forward to the crops we sew today reaping harvests of grace, upright conduct, good citizenship, and the promise of eternal salvation through Christ Jesus.
 
It therefore seems appropriate that our “bounds” are best embodied by the hallowed and sacred grounds of Valley Forge National Historical Park. As such, and in keeping with our ancient forebears, we will symbolically “beat the bounds” of this great Nation via the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail circling the Park.
 
On Saturday May 9, 2026 at 10am, you are invited to join us for a Rogation procession.  Beginning with prayer at the Chapel, the party will depart for a leisurely walk taking in the many sights, monuments, and moments of prayerful reflection along the five-loop back to the Chapel. During the journey, the party will take turns carrying the Cross, walking a very manageable pace with stops for prayer and rest at least every mile. Upon our return to the Chapel, we will conclude with prayer before celebrating a proper “parish ale” complete with
Fr. Tommy’s Revolutionary BBQ and refreshments.
 
To sign up for this year’s Beating of the Bounds of the Cradle of our Nation – Valley Forge, please click the signup below.