For more than two decades as one of two vineyards within the Diocese of San José— the other one is located at Sacred Heart in Saratoga — Saint Francis’s vineyard has quite literally matured into a “living parable” of faith, in the words of Victor Espinoza, the parish’s Business and Operations Manager. For Victor, as well as Alan Lamantia and Vincent Sunseri, God is constantly working to transform the parish even as the parish tends the soil and produces its own altar wine.

Rooted (Literally) in Community

“I was there in the early stages,” recalled Alan Lamantia, who would later become the parish’s Facilities Manager. “I helped with harvesting and maintaining the vines. Over time, the responsibility for pruning, watering, and organizing the harvest fell to me, with the support of wonderful volunteers.”

In the early 2000s, founding pastor Monsignor John Sandersfeld asked parishioners to plant vines on the church grounds. Parishioner Vince Cortese donated the plants, which were provided by the Mirassou family, one of California’s founding wine families, who established their first winery in the Evergreen area of San José.

For Vincent Sunseri, the planting was deeply personal. “My wife Helene and I planted two rows where the memorial garden stands today,” he revealed, “It was families, mothers, fathers, and children working side by side. We came together as one family would.” Years later, Victor Espinoza would step into his current position, coordinating volunteers and ensuring the vineyard thrived. “We rely on a dedicated group of volunteers, along with Roberto Celestino, who tends the vines and leads the harvest,” he explained. “And our partners at Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill process the grapes with great care. It truly is a shared effort.”

Blessed Harvests

When sharing what scenes from harvest time stand out to them as personally impactful, Alan thinks of the priests blessing the vines. For Vincent, he fondly recalls the fellowship of working alongside others. “As we worked, we would share about the future of Saint Francis,” he reflects. “The spirit of God was there with us, helping us.”

Victor describes moments of personal renewal. He shared, “In the cool mornings of summer, when I feel overwhelmed, I walk through the rows. John 15:1 always comes to mind: ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower’ (NABRE). Just as the vines need the care of the gardener, I, too, rely on the nurturing hand of God to grow in my faith.”

A Living Parable

Alan echoes this sense of the vineyard's peace and tranquility. “My time in the vineyard gave me a closeness that is difficult to put into words. It was like nothing else existed when I was there.” Vincent reports feeling a connection to his ancestors when he is harvesting the vines. “Working the land brings me closer to God, and it reminds me of my grandfather, who also worked the soil. I feel what he must have felt — God’s presence in the work of our hands.”

Victor sees the rhythm of the liturgical year in the vineyard. “In spring, when the vines sprout, I am reminded of Christ’s resurrection and the renewal of life. By summer, the lush greenery mirrors the abundance of God’s grace. In autumn, the rich colors reflect the sacrifice of Christ’s blood. And in winter, the bare branches stand in humility, reminding me of Jesus’ unwavering love. Every season speaks of hope and renewal in Christ.”

Vines That Unite

Parishioners, who might not have crossed paths otherwise, work together in the vineyard at harvest. Victor explained, “It brings together individuals of all backgrounds to reflect on the seasons, the land, and Christ’s love. Like the vines, we are all intertwined in faith, growing together through challenges and blessings.” This shared purpose and unity in labor is a powerful bond that unites the parish community.

Vincent perceives tangible unity in the families who come together during harvest time. “Parents and children work side by side, knowing that the presence of God is within us. That’s what the vineyard represents for me.” Alan connected this sense of unity with a personal pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, in 2007. “Visiting the places of Saint Francis and Saint Clare was deeply moving,” he recalls. “Here at the parish vineyard, I sense the same spirit of peace and care for creation that Saint Francis embodied.”

Saint Francis’ parish vineyard is a nourishing reminder that faith grows in the soil and the labor, in the vines and the grapes, but also in the stillness and the fellowship experienced in the presence of God in creation.