In Kerala, Mass wine is brewed by various dioceses and Christian congregations with the license from the Excise Department. (Source: Nandagopal Rajan)
Joining the liquor controversy in Kerala, senior non-Catholic bishop Philiphose Mar Chrysostom, of Mar Thoma Syrian Church, on Monday asked the Churches to rethink about using wine during Mass.
The use of wine at churches for Mass has come to the liquor controversy after prominent backward Hindu leader Vellappally Nateshan questioned the logic of allowing Mass wine when Indian made foreign liquor is banned in a phased manner.
In Kerala, Mass wine is brewed by various dioceses and Christian congregations with the license from the Excise Department.
Chrysostom said it was not necessary for wine to be used for Mass. “Churches should rethink about using grape water, as had been the practice in the past, instead of wine. At the same, I would not agree with those who had raised the issue on both sides,” said the bishop.
Reacting to the non-Catholic prelate’s suggestion, Catholic Church spokesman Fr Paul Thelakkattu said Chrysostom’s opinion was not acceptable. Using wine at Mass is a global practice. Not even an ounce is used for a mass, he said.
Meanwhile, raising the bar on the licence given to various dioceses to make wine, Nateshan said the Church in Kerala is running 24 distilleries. “Jesus turned water into wine.
Today, nobody has the power to convert water into wine. Then, why don’t the churches use water considering it was wine,” asked Nateshan, who said his community would be hit by revoking liquor license of hotels.
Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India.
Expertise, Experience, and Authority
Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment.
Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes:
Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration.
Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules.
Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More
In Kerala, Mass wine is brewed by various dioceses and Christian congregations with the license from the Excise Department. (Source: Nandagopal Rajan)
