The Kenya Catholic Church altar wine has been officially replaced after the previous brand became widely available in local bars and liquor stores, sparking concern among church leaders and worshippers about its sanctity.
The new sacramental wine, known simply as Mass Wine, now features the coat of arms of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and an official signature verifying its authenticity.
According to Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri, the newly approved wine is not for public sale, but is strictly imported and distributed by the KCCB to dioceses across the country.
“This wine is exclusively for Holy Mass and not meant for commercial outlets. It assures purity and reverence for the Eucharist,” Archbishop Muheria told the BBC.
The move follows growing concerns that the previous brand, once produced by a local manufacturer, had lost its sacred identity after being stocked in bars, hotels, and supermarkets.
Church officials said the decision was guided by Canon Law, which gives Catholic bishops the authority to monitor and maintain the quality of altar wine and the bread used during the Holy Communion.
“Vigilance on the wine and hosts used for Mass is a duty of the Catholic bishops. These elements are reviewed from time to time to ensure they meet proper spiritual and canonical standards,” Muheria explained.
After evaluating several alternatives, the Catholic Church in Kenya selected a South African vintage that meets the required liturgical composition.
The new Kenya Catholic Church altar wine was unveiled during the National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru, where thousands of believers witnessed the first official use of the sacred drink.
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, chairman of the KCCB, instructed all parishes nationwide to stop using the old wine and to obtain the new approved product only through official diocesan channels.
“This is the only wine permitted for Mass celebrations throughout Kenya,” Archbishop Makumba said, displaying a bottle of the newly imported altar wine.
He further emphasized that the bottle label bears an inscription reflecting its spiritual purpose: “The fruit of the vine and the work of human hands will become our cup of joy.”
Locally referred to as divai in Swahili, altar wine is central to Catholic worship, symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ during the Eucharistic celebration. It is typically consumed by the priest and, on certain occasions, shared with the congregation.
Demand for altar wine typically surges during major liturgical seasons such as Easter, Christmas, and other nationwide religious observances.
Many Catholics across Kenya welcomed the introduction of the new Kenya Catholic Church altar wine, saying it restores respect to the Eucharist and reinforces the spiritual essence of Mass celebrations.
“This decision helps maintain the holiness of the sacrament. The old wine had lost its meaning when people started drinking it casually,” one parishioner said.
Kenya, where more than 80% of the population identifies as Christian, has an estimated 10 million Catholics — nearly one-fifth of its 50 million citizens.
The bishops hope that the new wine will remind believers of the sanctity of the Eucharist and prevent misuse of what is meant to symbolize the blood of Christ.
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