Summary
The Catholic Church in Kenya has replaced its altar wine used in Holy Mass with a new brand that is only available through authorized church outlets. This change was made because the previous wine had become widely sold in local bars and other non-religious places.
Key Facts
- The Kenyan Catholic Church introduced a new altar wine for Holy Mass due to the previous wine's widespread availability in local bars.
- The new wine is labeled "Mass Wine" and includes the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) coat of arms.
- The new wine is not for sale in regular shops but imported and owned by KCCB for distribution to dioceses only.
- The decision aims to maintain the wine's sacredness, which was compromised as the old wine became common in secular outlets.
- The Catholic Church in Kenya has approved a wine from South Africa exclusively for use in Eucharist celebrations.
- The new wine was first introduced during Kenya's National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine.
- Catholic Canon Law oversees the quality of altar wine and Eucharistic bread used in Holy Mass.
- About 20% of Kenya's population are Catholics, highlighting the importance of this change in religious practice.
