Drink to the Love of Saint John!
Blessing of Wine on the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
On the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, at the end of the principal Mass, that is, after the last Gospel, the priest, retaining all his vestments except the maniple, in the following manner blesses wine brought by the people in memory and in honor of Saint John, who drank poison without harm:
Psalm 22
The Lord is my Shepherd and I will lack nothing; He leadeth me to encamp in green pastures. He leadeth me to refreshing waters; He reneweth my thirsting soul. He guideth me on straight paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through deadly gloom, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they give me security. Thou preparest for me a banquet in sight of my oppressors. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup overflows, and how good it is! Thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord to the end of my days. Glory be to the Father.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, inaudibly until
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 fulness 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 livest and reignest forever.
R. Amen.
Let us pray.
O God, thou givest 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 favour 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, liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, forever and ever.
R. Amen.
It is sprinkled with Holy Water.