The Catholic Church in Kenya has replaced its altar wine after the previous brand became widely available in local bars and shops, which raised concerns about the sanctity of the Eucharist.
The new sacramental drink, labelled Mass Wine, was introduced by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) last week and became the only wine used during Holy Mass across the country.
Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria told the BBC that the newly approved wine was created to ensure purity and authenticity within church use. He said the wine was owned and distributed solely by the KCCB.
“The newly approved wine was not for sale at any business outlet,” said Archbishop Muheria. “It was imported and owned by the KCCB and only distributed to the dioceses.”
The decision followed complaints from Catholic faithful who said the old altar wine, produced by a local manufacturer, had lost its sacred significance after appearing in liquor stores, hotels and supermarkets.
Father Kibaki Robert, a Kenyan priest serving in California, told Mwakilishi, the Kenyan Diaspora News Leader: “It reached a point where even non-Catholics were using it….Catholics prefer to keep what is sacred exclusive to Catholic practice.”
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the KCCB chairman, unveiled the new wine during the 38th National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru, in front of nearly 60,000 worshippers, and directed all parishes to discontinue using the old brand and adhere to the new distribution rules.
The label on the new bottle reads: “The fruit of the vine and the work of human hands will become our cup of joy,” symbolising its sacred purpose, according to the BBC.
Kenya’s Catholic population is estimated at around ten million people, about one-fifth of the country’s total population.