Catholic altar wine replaced after becoming a favourite in bars. #Kenya #CatholicChurch #BBCNews

Key Concepts

• Alter wine: Wine specifically consecrated and used in the Catholic Mass (Eucharist).
• Mass wine: A new designation for sacramental wine introduced by the Kenyan Catholic Church.
• Sacramental drink: A beverage, in this context wine, used in religious rites and considered sacred.
• Sanctity: The quality of being holy, sacred, or inviolable.
• Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB): The official assembly of Catholic bishops in Kenya, responsible for guiding the Church's activities.

Introduction of New Mass Wine in Kenya

The Kenyan Catholic Church has introduced a new brand of sacramental wine, simply labeled "mass wine," to replace the previous "alter wine" which had become widely available and consumed outside of religious services. The old alter wine was reportedly "globbed on mass" in Kenya, becoming a popular alcoholic beverage in bars, liquor stores, hotels, and supermarkets, leading to concerns about its sanctity.

Reasons for the Change and Church's Stance

The primary motivation for this change was the perceived loss of sanctity of the previous alter wine due to its widespread commercial availability and consumption in secular settings. Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nairobi stated that "the move has been welcomed by the Catholic faithful who believe that the previous brand lost its sanctity due to widespread use outside of the church." This sentiment underscores the Church's and its members' desire to preserve the sacred character of the wine used in the Eucharist. Archbishop Maurice Mahhatia Makumba further emphasized the exclusivity of the new wine, declaring, "This is the only wine that will be used in mass celebrations across the country going forward."

Distribution and Sourcing of the New Wine

The new "mass wine" is strictly controlled and is "not for sale at any business outlet." It is exclusively imported and owned by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) to ensure its dedicated use for religious purposes. In contrast, the old wine was distributed by a local alcohol manufacturer, contributing to its broad commercial availability. After evaluating various options, the Catholic Church in Kenya selected a "South African vintage" as the source for their new sacramental wine.

Official Introduction

The new mass wine was officially introduced for the first time to "thousands of worshippers" during this year's National Prayer Day in Kenya. This public introduction marked a significant step in the Church's efforts to re-establish the sacredness and controlled distribution of its sacramental wine.

Conclusion

The introduction of the new "mass wine" by the Kenyan Catholic Church represents a decisive action to restore and preserve the sanctity of the sacramental drink used in Mass. By controlling its importation, ownership, and distribution, and ensuring it is not available commercially, the Church aims to prevent the wine from being desacralized through widespread secular consumption. This move, welcomed by the Catholic faithful, reinforces the distinct and sacred purpose of the wine within religious celebrations across Kenya.