In October I posted a piece on the Franciscan Friars' wine making hobby. Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Brother Giuseppe Maria Siniscalchi had an idea a few years ago to make homemade wine when he wasn't hitting the theology books. The friars do more than study, serve the poor, run the Catholic Underground-- they cheer the heart with their wine which is a very human thing to do. This is the second year for Our Lady of Cana wines. Perhaps this may be a new franchise for the friars!!! I'm looking forward to a 3rd year of winemaking. AND I am willing to be the wine-quality control guy.
With grapes handpicked and materials donated by friends, and help from the other friars, Brother Giuseppi made a great barrel of wine. Of course, nature did her part and God His... For the last six months the wine has matured --and we've been eagerly waiting for the maturing process to work-- in a basement corner in an oak barrel. The wine now sufficiently mature, today was the time to bottle.
Deacon James Ferreira, Ken Riello (a 1st yr Dunwoodian) and yours truly set out to watch, assist and taste the fruit of the earth. James was most kind in bringing some great bread, cheese and soppressata.
We had great fun bottling nearly 275 bottles of wine. James, I hear, has a case of wine for his first Mass in May! AND this event was SO Catholic!
Always thinking liturgically, the soon-to-be-priested, Friar Deacon Charles blessed the new wine using this text, but here is another version of the blessing of wine:
The Blessing of Wine in Honor of Saint John the Evangelist
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Pray Psalm 22 and then the Our Father
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. Preserve thy servants.
R. That trust in thee, my God.
V. Send them aid, O Lord, from heaven.
R. And from Sion watch over them.
V. Let the enemy be powerless over them.
R. And the son of evil do nothing to harm them.
V. And should they drink anything deadly.
R. May it not hurt them.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God! Who didst will that thy Son, equal to thee in eternity and substance, should descend from heaven and in the fullness of time take temporal birth of the most holy Virgin Mary, so that He could seek the lost and wayward sheep and carry it on His shoulders to the sheepfold, and could cure the man fallen among robbers of his wounds by pouring in oil and wine-- do thou bless + and sanctify + this wine which thou hast vintaged for man's drink. Whoever partakes of it on this holy solemnity, grant him life in body and soul. By thy goodness let it be to him strength in the pilgrimage to prosper him on the way, that his journey may come to a happy termination. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst call thyself the true vine and thy holy apostles the branches, and didst desire to plant a chosen vineyard of all who love thee, bless + this wine and impart to it the power of thy benediction.+And as thy beloved disciple John, Apostle and Evangelist intercedes for them that partake thereof, grant them security from all deadly and poisonous afflictions and constant good health of soul and body. Who lives and reigns forever.
R. Amen.
Let us pray.
O God, thou gives to man bread to eat and wine to drink -- bread to nourish the body and wine to cheer the heart. And as thou didst confer upon blessed John, thy beloved disciple such favor that not only did he himself escape the poisoned potion, but could restore life to others so overcome; do thou grant to all that drink this wine spiritual joy and eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who with Thee, lives and reigns, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
R. Amen.
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