The country where a new wine was launched after the former product became preferred in bars
The Kenya Catholic Church introduced a new altar wine brand for the Holy Liturgy, after the previous one became widely available in local bars.
Liturgy wine, replaced in Kenia Photo: X
Simple called “Mass Wine” (Liturgy wine), the new sacramental drink bears the coat of arms of the Conference of Catholic bishops in Kenya (KCCB) and an official signature that certifies its authenticity.
“The newly approved wine is not for sale in any store, but it is imported and owned by KCCB and distributed only to the dioceses,” said Archbishop of Nyeri, Anthony Muheria, for the BBC.
The measure was welcomed by the Catholic believers, who believes that the anterior mark had lost their sacred character due to its large -scale use outside the church.
The wine is used during the liturgy, where, according to the teachings of the Catholic Church, is “transubstantiated“In the blood of Jesus Christ and then drunk by the priest as part of the ritual of the Holy Eucharist. In many churches, the wine is also offered as part of the communion.
The composition of the wine is regulated by the canonical law of the Catholic Church, according to Archbishop Muheria.
“Vigilance on the quality and standards of wine and hosts [hostii] used during the liturgy rests with the Catholic bishops in the country. This is reviewed periodically ”, added the archbishop.
The old wine, which was distributed by a local alcohol manufacturer, was largely sold in alcoholic beverages, hotels, bars and supermarkets.
“Unfortunately, it became common that the old wine will be easy to find in secular shops and bars,” said Archbishop Muheria for the BBC.
After exploring several wine options, the Kenya Catholic Church opted for a South African wine.
The new wine was officially presented for the first time to thousands of believers during this year's National prayer Day, which took place on Saturday at the Marian Subukia national sanctuary in Nakuru area, Kenya.
“This is the only wine to be used in the liturgical celebrations throughout the country, from now on,” said Archbishop Maurice Muhaatia Makumba, President KCCB, holding a bottle with the new sacramental wine.
He ordered all the Catholic churches in the country to cease the use of the old wine and urged the priests to become familiar with the new distribution guidelines and the authorized sales points.
“The newly approved wine is not for sale in any store”,
said Archbishop Muheria, adding that the new drink was imported and is KCCB.
“This guarantees purity from the source.”
The label on the new wine has the inscription: “The fruit of the vines and the work of the human hands will become our glass of joy ” – a reflection of the sacred purpose of wine.
The altar wine, popularly known as Divai in Swahili, is consumed differently in different dioceses, depending on the liturgical period and the level of activity of the Church.
The demand reaches its peak during Easter, Christmas and other important religious events.
Some members of the Catholic community have welcomed the introduction of the new wine, expressing their concern that the old wine was commonly sold in stores like any other ordinary drink, diminishing its sacred significance.
“It is a valid step towards preserving the sacred character of the Eucharist and assuring that only the properly prepared wine is used for the Liturgy”, said a Catholic for the BBC.
Over 80% of Kenyei's 50 million inhabitants identify as Christians. Of these, about 10 million – about 20% of the total population – are Catholics, according to government statistics.
Other Christians belong to a variety of evangelical churches and other confessions, including the Anglican Church in Kenya and the Presbyterian Church.
