Ernakulam-Ankamaly Archdiocese has applied for renewal of licence for making Mass wine.
The Archiocesan authority has sought to increase the quantity of wine being made for the ceremonial purpose.
A spokesman for the Archdiocese said that it was a “routine” act as wine-making licence is renewed periodically. However, he said that since the number of parishes, churches, Masses and the believers had increased, the Archdiocese had sought to increase the quantity from the present level.
“There is nothing extraordinary about the application for renewal of licence”, said the spokesman. He said the present quantity is not sufficient for the increased ceremonial requirements.
The present quantum of wine produced by the Archdiocese goes back to about 20 years, the spokesman added.
He said that a team of officials from the Excise Department visited the facilities for Mass wine production to ascertain the conditions there.
