A senior non-Catholic bishop, Philiphose Mar Chrysostom of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, on Monday asked the churches to reconsider the use of wine during mass in Kerala.
The remarks come after a prominent backward Hindu leader, Vellappally Nateshan, questioned the logic of allowing wine to be consumed during mass while Indian-made foreign liquor was being banned in a phased manner. In Kerala, the wine used for mass is brewed by Christian congregations and dioceses with licenses from the excise department.
Chrysostom on Monday said it was not necessary to use wine during mass. “Churches should consider using grape juice — as has been the practice in the past — instead of wine. All the same, I would not agree with those who had raised the issue on both sides,” said the bishop.
Reacting to this suggestion, Catholic Church spokesman Fr Paul Thelakkattu said Chrysostom’s opinion was unacceptable. Using wine at mass was a global practice and not even one ounce is used during mass, he said.
Nateshan, who had said his community would be hit if liquor license of hotels were revoked, said the church was 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,’’ he asked.
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
