In a landmark move to uphold the sanctity of the Eucharist, the Kenyan Catholic Church has unveiled a new brand of altar wine exclusively for use during Holy Mass, following widespread concern that the previous brand had become easily accessible in bars, hotels, and supermarkets across the country.
The new sacramental wine, simply branded as “Mass Wine,” bears the official coat of arms of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and an authenticated signature verifying its legitimacy and sacred use. Church authorities emphasized that this wine will not be available for commercial sale and will only be distributed through official church channels.
Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri explained that the newly approved wine is owned and imported directly by the KCCB to ensure its purity and exclusive use for religious purposes. “This wine is not for sale in any business outlet. It will only be distributed to dioceses through authorized church networks,” he said.
The introduction of the new altar wine follows growing concern among the Catholic faithful that the previous brand, which was distributed by a local alcohol manufacturer, had lost its spiritual essence after being widely sold in secular establishments. Many parishioners argued that its presence in bars and supermarkets made it difficult to distinguish it as a sacred element of the Holy Mass.
The Catholic Church teaches that altar wine used to symbolize the blood of Jesus Christ must meet specific requirements under Canon Law, which governs the preparation and use of sacramental materials. Archbishop Muheria emphasized that the bishops’ conference regularly reviews the standards and quality of both the wine and the communion hosts, ensuring that every element used during Mass upholds the reverence and purity of the Eucharist.
After a thorough evaluation of several potential alternatives, the Church settled on a South African vintage that met both theological and liturgical standards. The new wine was officially introduced during the National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru County, where thousands of worshippers gathered for the unveiling.
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, Chairman of the KCCB, presented the wine to the congregation, declaring it as the only approved brand for Mass celebrations nationwide. “This is the only wine that will be used for Holy Mass in Kenya from now on,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that the Eucharist remains sacred, and this new wine assures purity from its source.”
The label on the new wine carries the words:
“The fruit of the vine and the work of human hands will become our cup of joy.”
This inscription, inspired by the Offertory Prayer, reflects the wine’s deep spiritual symbolism and its role in uniting the faithful during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
The move has received widespread approval from priests and parishioners across Kenya. Many Catholics expressed relief that the Church had acted decisively to protect the sanctity of the Mass, especially as previous altar wine brands were being consumed casually in public places. “It is a valid and timely step toward preserving the sacredness of the Eucharist and ensuring that only properly prepared wine is used for Mass,” said one parishioner after the launch.
In Kenya, altar wine—known locally as “divai” in Swahili is used differently across dioceses, depending on the liturgical calendar and level of church activity. Demand traditionally peaks during Easter, Christmas, and major feast days, when thousands of faithful gather to celebrate.
Kenya is home to a vibrant Christian community, with over 80% of its 50 million citizens identifying as Christians. Approximately 10 million are Catholics, making the Church one of the largest religious institutions in the country.
By introducing this new sacred wine, the Catholic Church in Kenya aims to restore reverence and ensure uniformity in how the Eucharist is celebrated across the nation strengthening not only the spiritual integrity of the Mass but also the collective faith of its followers.
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