Catholic Church Introduces New Altar Wine After Old Brand Floods Bars

The Catholic Church in Kenya has unveiled a new brand of altar wine for use during Holy Mass after the previous variety became widely available in local bars. The move follows reports that the former sacramental wine had turned into a common beverage among many Kenyans, especially women, who were purchasing and consuming it for leisure.

Church officials said the decision was reached after growing concern that the holy drink, which was meant for the celebration of the Eucharist, was being abused outside church settings. They noted that the unrestricted sale of the earlier brand in retail outlets risked diminishing the sacred meaning attached to the wine used at the altar.

The newly introduced product is simply labelled “Mass Wine” and bears the coat of arms of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB). It also carries an official signature from Church authorities to confirm its authenticity and protect it from counterfeiting or commercial misuse.

According to the Church, the new altar wine is imported exclusively from South Africa and will only be distributed to parishes for liturgical use. Clergy members have been instructed to source it through approved diocesan channels to ensure proper control and accountability.

The new wine was officially presented during this year’s National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru County. Thousands of Catholic faithful attended the event, where bishops emphasized the need to preserve the sanctity and symbolism of the Holy Mass.