Editor ’ s Notes
2 • The New Wine Press • January 2017
Telling Our Story by Fr . Richard Bayuk , c . pp . s ., Publications Editor
This past August marked 25 years since the New Wine Press began publication . Previously , Fr . Ralph Bushell , Provincial Secretary , had provided a monthly province newsletter for many years . When Fr . Joe Nassal assumed the role of publications editor in 1991 , the newsletter was given a new look and a new name . This being prior to the wide use of computers , email , social media , and websites , the newsletter was the primary means of communication within the province and to a wider audience beyond the members , Companions , and candidates .
The name New Wine Press was intended to be read in two ways , as it captured the charism , spirituality , and mission of the province . Fr . Nassal wrote the following in the first issue : “ Being new wine is central to our identity as members and Companions of the Precious Blood . My hope is that the news , articles , and features … will strengthen our commitment to be new wine poured out in loving service ….” So the title could be understood with emphasis on New Wine .
The second reading of the title focuses on Wine Press . Fr . Alan Hartway , who was instrumental in coming up with the new name , explains it in this way .
The name New Wine Press for our publication has three sources . The first is related to St . Gaspar who frequently quoted from the Song of Songs , where the divine Lover invites the Beloved into the vineyard , to the winepress in the wine cellar , where love is given . For us , the mission house is the winepress where the bond of charity is formed .
The second and earliest source was a homily by Fr . Leonard Goettemoeller at Del Bufalo Seminary , on Isaiah 63 , where the Divine Warrior is portrayed coming out of the East to vindicate the poor . The exact phrase was : “ I have trodden the winepress alone .” The thought here is that prophetic work is never easy and often lonely . Our publications would have a prophetic orientation .
Finally some time before the assignment of this name to the new publication , I had found a 12 th century illumination of Christ in the wine press , showing Jesus reaching out to a lone person outside , and with his hand drawing him into the work , as if in reconciliation . ( This illumination is in the last United in Prayer book .)
Despite now having a province website , a Facebook page , Twitter account , and email communication , the New Wine Press continues . The look and layout has evolved over time , and a number of people have served as editor ( Frs . Joe Nassal , Alan Hartway , Timothy Armburster , Keith Branson ). In my current role as publications editor , I work closely with Director of Communications Margaret Haik , but in addition we have an editorial board made up of Timothy Deveney , Vicki Otto , Gabino Zavala , Fr . Timothy Armbruster , myself and Margaret . We meet monthly to evaluate past issues and plan those upcoming . continued on page 5