Altar wine for Mass in Kenya now required to bear Catholic bishops’ ‘coat of arms’

ACI Africa, Oct 12, 2025 / 07:00 am

Wine for Mass in Kenya must now bear the “coat of arms” of the country’s bishops, the chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) announced Oct. 4. 

Speaking at the 2025 National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Kenya’s Nakuru Diocese on the feast of St. Francis, KCCB chairman Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba announced that bottles containing the altar wine must bear the coat of arms of the bishops, as well as an official signature, to certify their authenticity. 

The Catholic faithful have welcomed the news as many believe the wine previously used “had lost its sanctity due to its widespread use outside the Church,” according to a BBC report. 

The wine formerly used is reportedly widely sold in liquor stores, bars, and supermarkets.

After exploring options, the bishops in Kenya chose a South African vintage for the newly approved Mass wine.

“Vigilance on the quality and standards of the wine and hosts used in the Mass is given to the Catholic bishops of the country. This is reviewed from time to time,” the archbishop added.

The new wine was officially introduced to worshippers during the National Prayer Day. 

Muhatia has directed that local Catholic communities and Catholic institutions abide by the directives and sourcing for the new altar wine.

“It is important that you acquaint yourself with your diocese and know what has been established as the outlets for this wine because different dioceses have different ways of distributing this wine,” he said at the National Prayer Day.

“Some dioceses allow only specific persons to buy this wine for Mass; others allow everybody. Depending on your diocese, please be aware of the regulations.”

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.