By Evance Kapito

Copyright faceofmalawi

The Catholic Church in Kenya has introduced a new brand of altar wine for Holy Mass after concerns arose that the previous wine had become widely available in local bars and liquor outlets.

The new wine, labelled simply Mass Wine, features the coat of arms of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and carries an official signature to certify its authenticity. Archbishop of Nyeri, Anthony Muheria, told the BBC that the wine is imported, owned by the KCCB, and distributed only to dioceses. “The newly approved wine is not for sale at any business outlet,” he said.

The move aims to preserve the sacredness of the wine, which symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ during Mass. Previously, the altar wine had lost its exclusivity as it was sold widely in bars, hotels, supermarkets, and liquor shops.

After reviewing several options, the KCCB settled on a South African vintage. The wine was officially unveiled during this year’s National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru. Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, KCCB chairman, confirmed that it will now be the only wine used in Mass celebrations nationwide.

“The fruit of the vine and the work of human hands will become our cup of joy,” reads the label on the new wine, reflecting its sacred purpose. Catholic leaders have instructed priests to discontinue the old wine and follow distribution guidelines for the new supply.

The introduction of the wine has been welcomed by many worshippers, who praised the move as a way to safeguard the sanctity of the Eucharist. Altar wine demand peaks during Easter, Christmas, and other major religious events.

Kenya has a significant Catholic population, estimated at around 10 million, or roughly 20% of the country’s population.