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