Monsignor James Chapin.

From Brackettville, Texas to Comfort, Texas.


The former St. Mary Magdalene's catholic pastor is now helping facilitate growing calabazitas as a parish industry.


Where?

On the grounds of the Sacred Heart Church. in Comfort, Texas.

Adapted from Today's Catholic's article published July 31, 2009, called "Our Lady of the Garden," which was lifted by them in turn from Mr. Bill Terry's article in the Comfort News.

"Mary Petree said, We have God on our side. Our patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe, is watching over our garden. We have her with her image on each gate for her blessing of our garden.

"The garden is 90 feet by 50 feet with watering troughs between each row.

"There are 14 double rows with PVC pipe with individually controlled valves to regulate the amount of water each row will receive.

"Bill Csanyi, project manager, said We have a couple of varieties of tomatoes, chili peppers, squash, cucumbers, peppers and banana peppers.

"Cindy Yeates, secretary for Sacred Heart said, We have been picking for about two weeks, 50 percent will go to the needy, 40 percent for sale and 10 percent for those that help in the garden.

"The portion to be sold will be at the Farmers Market on Saturdays, during office hours, and after each of the four Masses, with money going into a garden fund.

"The produce will be sold at an approximate savings of 30 percent less than current store prices.

"They have already begun to recoup some of their costs.

"With the help of donations and shopping around, the expenses for the project were less than their budgeted amount.

"Many of those that helped have gardens of their own and have the knowledge [of how to do so].

"In addition, planting, watering and harvesting duties have been performed by Don Raines; Roberto Legorreta; Santos Garcia; Pedro Garcia; Lourdes Gallegos; Luis and Maria Dorado; José, Antonio, Ester, José and Mariele Tabullo; and Lauro and Eva Lozano.

"Father Cashin said, We want to express our gratitude to everyone for this blessing..."

Way to go, good people!

Can you imagine St. Mary Magdalene's Catholic Parish in Brackettville. Texas, 78832 pulling something like this off?