HERITAGE BALADE May 2026

HERITAGE BALADE/PROCESSION AND ROGATIONS

Formerly the Catholic church taught its faithful certain rules. For example, to benefit from a plenary indulgence, three prescribed processes were required.

The first on St Mark's Day, April 25, the other two in one of the three days before Ascension, called the rogations.

ROGATIONS (a procession of supplication intended to attract the blessing of heaven on the goods of the earth, on the fruits and animals)

The 3 days before the Ascension feast were dedicated, as on St Mark's Day, to long daily processions in the municipality.

The first day was destined for the northeast part of Vailly. The shortest 5 km. No major difficulties, this procession took place on the road and good roads.

The second day concerned the southeastern part with about 7.5 kilometers.

Procession, long rather painful, by hollow paths often muddy, as well as by a short passage through fields. A half-hour rest was usually required at La Pierre, where refreshments were offered by two families in the village.A little further on, fresh cider-watered cake was offered by the owners of the Vignette. Fatigue was beginning to be felt.

The 3rd day was dedicated to the western part, the longest and most difficult, about 12 km. Each cross was blessed, and no matter what the time, the processions always took place.

As for the singers he sang the litanyes of Saints who had a penitential character without any interruption and most often accompanied the participants not. (Family Archives)