Event spreads cheer among Catholics

Hundreds of Catholic faithful across the country who failed to make it to Nyeri followed the beatification Sister Irene Stefani on their television sets.

And those unable to follow the events on television listened to their radios that also relayed live the historic event which is the second of its kind in Africa, and the first since new rules were introduced in 2005.

Excited Catholics in Kisumu celebrated the beatification of Blessed Sister Irene “Nyaatha” Stefani and asked for the speeding up of the process to declare the Servant of God Maurice Cardinal Otunga a saint.

Ms Jane Olonda, a staunch Catholic who is in St Gabriel’s Choir at the Kibuye Catholic Church, said the beatification of Sr Irene was a big victory for selflessness and love.

“We feel we are even nearer to God because one of our own, who worked in Kenya, is now Blessed and on her way to sainthood. A daughter of God who worked for the people of Nyeri will now intercede for us in Kisumu too,” Ms Olanda said as she broke into song and dance.

EXTRAORDINARY EVENT

On Saturday evening, Catholic faithful thronged the church to thank God for the favour and sing praises for what they described as an extraordinary event.

“We also pray that our very own Cardinal Otunga becomes a Blessed so he can intercede for all of us,” said Mr Kennedy Opala, a member of the church. Cardinal Otunga, who died in 2003, was declared a Servant of God in 2013; a miracle attributed to him must happen before he is beatified.

For Ms Wilbroda Buyeshe, a member of the Legion of Mary that works with the less privileged in the church, the beatification of Sr Irene is inspirational.

“She died because she was selfless and helped people who had problems in society. She died for humanity, for love and for compassion,” said Ms Buyeshe.

In Nakuru, Catholics termed the event special, saying it renewed their faith. They said they felt closely associated with the ceremony because the Nyeri Bishop Peter Kairu headed their diocese for 11 years.

Fr Paul Chesir of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Eldoret, who followed the televised event, urged Christians to emulate what Sister Irene did and put it into practice.

He said that the event was historical as it was conducted on African soil as the Pope had sent a representative to read his decree on his behalf.

“The event shows that the activities of the church are now decentralised. Such events used to be conducted at the Vatican,” he said.

He added that the duty of Christians in this world is to live selfless lives like Sister Irene.  

Mr Dominic Mmayi, an animator, encouraged Christians to help others regardless of social class, tribe or race.

Ms Virginia Paul, a student at KMTC in Eldoret, said that the event was important because it motivates others such as priests and nuns to be holy. “We will still remember the good things she did to the society,” said Ms Virginia.

The chairlady of St Anthony Catholic Cathedral and Malindi parish choir Priscilla Oluoch said she had been touched “in a special way” and the occasion showed her that anyone could become a saint if they lived according to God’s ways.

Mrs Penina Mathiu Nyanje, an employee of Lamu County, said the occasion was “almost miraculous in itself”.

A university lecturer Michael Chidzao Nyanje from Kwale County said the occasion was a major renewal for Catholics.

“We have a social media group, East Africa Whatsup, which is the former Young Christian Students (YCS) which is now abuzz with discussions and debates about Sister Irene’s beatification. This means our faith has been touched positively,” he said.

United States International University student Arlene Nduku Mutuku said the occasion was good for all Kenyans and particularly Catholics. She urged people to “do good every day.”

Reports by Wanjiru Macharia, Patrick Langat, Daniel Nyassy and Stanley Kimuge.