Understanding Mustum: When Wine Isn't an Option

Not everyone can receive the Precious Blood in its usual form. For recovering alcoholics, people with certain medical conditions, or those with severe reactions to alcohol, even a small sip of consecrated wine can be problematic.

The Church has a solution: mustum.

What Is Mustum?

Mustum (pronounced “MOOS-tum”) is grape juice that has been minimally fermented, just enough that it’s begun the fermentation process, but not enough to contain significant alcohol. The Latin term means “fresh” or “new wine.”

For it to be valid matter for the Eucharist, mustum must:

• Be made from grapes
• Have begun fermentation (even slightly)
• Not have been artificially prevented from fermenting

This means regular Welch’s grape juice from the store doesn’t qualify. True mustum has started the fermentation process, but has been stopped or slowed before significant alcohol develops.

Who Can Use Mustum?

The Vatican has granted permission for mustum to be used by:

• Priests who are recovering alcoholics and cannot consume regular wine without endangering their sobriety
• Laypeople with severe alcohol intolerance, alcoholism, or medical conditions that preclude alcohol consumption

The 2017 letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship clarified that mustum may be used as valid matter for the Eucharist when wine would cause harm.

How to Request Permission

Unlike low-gluten hosts (which most priests can authorize on their own), mustum typically requires diocesan permission. Here’s the process:

1. Document Your Need

While formal medical documentation isn’t always required, having a letter from a doctor or addiction counselor explaining why alcohol is contraindicated can help.

2. Contact Your Pastor

Explain your situation. Your priest may know the process for your diocese, or may need to inquire with the chancery.

3. Submit a Formal Request

Most dioceses have a process for requesting mustum. This usually involves:

• A letter explaining your situation
• Medical or professional documentation (sometimes)
• A request form from the diocese

4. Await the Bishop’s Decision

Permission typically comes from the bishop or his delegate. Processing time varies by diocese, from a few days to several weeks.

For Priests Who Can’t Consume Wine

Priests face a unique challenge: they’re required to consume both species when celebrating Mass. A priest who cannot drink wine cannot simply receive under one species, he must consume what he has consecrated.

For priests in recovery or with alcohol intolerance:

• Mustum may be used for the entire Mass (consecrated instead of regular wine)
• This requires explicit permission from the bishop
• Some priests use mustum routinely; others use it only when celebrating alone

If you’re a priest struggling with this issue, your diocese likely has protocols in place. You’re not the first to face this challenge.

Where to Get Mustum

Mustum isn’t as widely available as regular altar wine, but several suppliers offer it:

• Mont La Salle Altar Wine: Produces mustum approved for liturgical use
• Catholic supply houses: Many carry mustum or can special order it
• Your diocese: Some dioceses keep a supply for parishes that need it

Important: Don’t try to make your own. The fermentation must be precisely controlled to produce valid matter.

The Theology

Some people feel that using mustum is somehow “less than” receiving regular Communion wine. This isn’t true.

When mustum is validly consecrated, it becomes the Blood of Christ just as regular wine does. The substance changes completely, what remains (the “accidents” of taste, appearance, etc.) are just the external properties.

You receive the whole Christ in either valid species. Period.

Practical Considerations

Storage

Mustum is less stable than regular wine because fermentation has been interrupted. It typically requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life.

At Mass

If only you need mustum, the practical solution is often:

• A separate small chalice or cup
• The priest or a designated minister handles your portion
• You receive from the separate vessel

Traveling

If you travel frequently, consider contacting parishes in advance to ask if they can accommodate mustum, or whether you should bring your own supply.

A Note to Those in Recovery

If you’re a recovering alcoholic, the smell and taste of wine, even consecrated, can be a trigger. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through Communion.

Options:

1. Receive under the species of bread only: This is completely valid and you receive the whole Christ
2. Use mustum: If even the trace alcohol in the chalice is a concern
3. Spiritual communion: A legitimate option when physical reception would endanger your sobriety

Your recovery matters. God understands. The Church has made accommodations precisely because your wellbeing, spiritual AND physical, is important.

The Bottom Line

Mustum exists because the Church recognizes that circumstances vary. Not everyone can consume regular wine, and that shouldn’t mean exclusion from the Precious Blood.

If mustum might help you participate more fully in the Eucharist, ask about it. The process may take some time, but the accommodation exists for exactly your situation.