The Surprising Success of a Chapel Built to End a Grasshopper Plague

When you think of plagues and the Bible, you probably think of the story in the Old Testament in which God brings 10 plagues to the Egyptians.
But did you know that there is a relatively modern American corollary?

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.It all begins in the summer of 1873 when the Rocky Mountain locust left their homes in the Rocky Mountains and made their way to Minnesota.
When they arrived in Minnesota, the grasshoppers laid eggs in the wheat fields where they began to feast on the crops that the farmers in the state depended on for their livelihoods. Once their wings fully developed, they would fly off to devastate another nearby crop.

This destruction went on for four years, which was horrific for a heavily agrarian economy. The grasshoppers ate everything—crops, wooden furniture, and even clothing.
The farmers tried everything to stop the grasshoppers—many grabbed them by hand and in buckets, and others tried to make machines out of sheet metal and tar to drag over the field and catch the grasshoppers. But no human intervention was a match for the insects.

By the spring of 1877, grasshoppers covered two-thirds of Minnesota. At their wit’s end, the people of the state turned to the spiritual. The governor even declared a statewide day of prayer to pray for an end to the epidemic. But nothing worked.
That is until a parish in northern Minnesota decided to build a church in honor of the Virgin Mary “to take refuge in her… and be freed from the ravages of the grasshopper plague.” Construction of the chapel began in mid-July, and then, as the famous author Laura Ingalls Wilder recorded in her book, they simply left one day in July. The grasshoppers had decided to go back West where they came from. And the only thing that had changed was the chapel had been built.

The chapel cost only $865 to complete and was constructed in less than a month. By the time the second mass took place in September, there were no more grasshoppers to be found anywhere.
Today, the church, which is now called the Assumption Chapel, holds special masses. These masses are to pray for good harvests—only a fitting use for a church that has already saved a crop like nothing else could.
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