Blessing of the vines for bountiful harvest in Grapevine

Hundreds of wine and history aficionados gathered Saturday at Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine to hear the Rev. Ken Robinson pray for a bountiful harvest at the 24th Annual Blessing of the Vines.

The pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muenster, who regularly makes the 90-mile trip to Grapevine for the annual gathering, adapted a blessing from the church’s Book of Blessings for fields and crops.

The priest said a blessing exists for everything, noting, “If it moves, we can bless it.”

However, he draws the line at things like rabbit’s feet and lottery tickets, saying that is not the intent of a blessing.

“It’s not abracadabra. It’s not hocus pocus,” Robinson said.

He blesses the people, explaining, “We sanctify the world by our presence. We use produce and wine to give glory to God.”

Among blessings he has given were for a couple married 77 years, teachers, students, rosaries, candles, homes and even a car.

The driver of the car had an accident immediately afterward due to running a red light and Robinson told her, “The blessing doesn’t help if you break the law.”

In Saturday’s tailor-made blessing, the pastor asked for a bountiful harvest, abundant rain, healthy and robust vines and savory grapes.

He also blessed vineyard owner Jerry Delaney, saying, “The blessing is intended for the people. You don’t bless the thing.”

Visitors took part in a long procession, led by a mariachi band that wound its way to the far end of the vineyard where everyone experienced the blessing.

Robinson continued the tradition he began when at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Grapevine, where he was assigned from 1997 to 2007. He has been a priest for 25 years.

“I use the harvest blessing and make the changes necessary to bless the fields and vines,” the priest from the Fort Worth Diocese said, noting that the Book of Blessings can be adapted to “the blessing of just about everything.”

Robinson said he performs the blessing as a social outreach,” adding that “he plans to perform the annual blessing “from now until the Lord returns.”

His blessing relayed, in part, “God has created the earth and his providence has enriched it. Give us a bountiful harvest enriched by abundant grapes.”

As a special treat PBS’ Chet “The Daytripper” Garner signed autographs. “The Daytripper” is a Texas travel-themed show, showcasing areas across Texas.

After the blessing, the fun-filled celebration continued on the New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail, where participants tasted a variety of wines at Grapevine’s many winery tasting rooms and enjoyed works of art throughout the city.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 12:39 PM with the headline "Blessing of the vines for bountiful harvest in Grapevine."