The Catholic Church in Kenya has introduced a new brand of altar wine after discovering that the previous one had become increasingly popular in local bars, liquor stores, and nightclubs — raising concerns about its sanctity.
The new sacramental wine, simply labelled ‘Mass Wine’, bears the coat of arms of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and an official signature of authenticity, marking a decisive shift in how the Church safeguards the sanctity of its holy sacrament.
“The newly approved wine is not for sale at any business outlet but is imported and owned by the KCCB and only distributed to dioceses,” said Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri, who also chairs the KCCB’s liturgical committee.
Why the Church Changed Its Altar Wine
According to Church leaders, the change was prompted by the misuse of the previous altar wine, which had found its way into entertainment joints across major towns. The widespread availability of the consecrated wine outside Church settings, they said, had eroded its sacred status.
Many Catholic faithful welcomed the move, saying the previous brand had lost its sense of holiness after being consumed in “unholy places” such as bars and nightclubs.
“This is a good move. The altar wine is sacred and should not be used for casual drinking,” said one congregant during the official unveiling.
Official Launch at the Subukia National Shrine
The new ‘Mass Wine’ was officially introduced to worshippers last weekend during a massive prayer gathering at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru County, where thousands of Catholics received the Holy Communion using the new brand.
The KCCB emphasized that the altar wine is strictly for liturgical use and cannot be sold commercially, warning businesses and individuals against counterfeiting or distributing it outside Church-approved channels.
The introduction comes amid renewed efforts by the Catholic Church to preserve the sanctity of the Eucharist and combat the misuse of religious symbols and items for profit or recreation.
