Government takes over beatification ceremony plans for Catholic nun

The secretary for Internal Security, Mr Joseph Irungu (2nd left), gets briefing on preparations of the beatification ceremony for Sr Irene Stefani. The National Government has taken over the preparation plans. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Preparations for the beatification of a Catholic nun who worked and died in Nyeri have been taken over by the National Government.

The beatification of Sister Irene Stefani, popularly known as Nyaatha, will take place from May 22 to May 24.

The secretary for Internal Security, Mr Joseph Irungu, Wednesday said the event would be a State function and would be accorded a befitting status.

Mr Irungu, who spoke during a media briefing at Governor Nderitu Gachagua’s office, said the government does not take chances with the security at a ceremony of such a magnitude and would put in place all necessary measures to ensure the function is secure.

The Catholic Church expects more than 100,000 people to visit Nyeri this month in relation to the ceremony.

Sr Stefani, a Consolata missionary, came to Kenya in 1915.

HELPED THE POOR AT GIKONDI

She later settled at Gikondi Village, Mukurwe-ini, to work for the poor and the sick.

She died there in 1930 at the age of 39.

Due to her dedication to God and generous service, the villagers nick-named her Nyaatha, meaning a mother full of compassion and love.

Beatification is a tradition in the Catholic Church in which a person is declared blessed.

It sets off the process of one’s canonisation into sainthood.

The ritual is normally presided over by the Pope or his delegate.

Sr Stefani’s ceremony will take place at the Gikondi Catholic Church and the Dedan Kimathi University grounds.

Wednesday’s meeting, Mr Irungu said, was meant to take stock of the preparations and identify areas that still needed attention, especially security.

A joint team comprising national and county government officers and church leaders later toured the region to assess the county’s preparedness.