Gikondi holds vigil ahead of nun’s beatification

‘I will love charity more than myself’ was the prominent theme at the vigil mass for Sister Irene Stefani held at the Gikondi Church on Friday.

Thousands thronged at the church, standing prominently on a hill in Mukurwe-ini to celebrate Sister Irene’s selfless giving to the people of Gikondi in the 1930s.

So important was the event that being locked out of the church did not deter them from being active participants of the mass.

They sang along to the hymns from the parking lots and responded to the calls from the priests at the altar.

Relatives of Irene Stefani, the family’s Parish minister from Italy, catholic delegates from different countries and faithfuls from different Catholic churches in the country were present for the afternoon mass.

Everyone was full of life despite the scorching sun, thirst and grumbling stomachs. As darkness begun to engulf the small village the faithful did not leave until the mass was over.

Four out of the 13 living witness attended the ceremony, weak and frail all in their late 90s, they could not afford to miss this much awaited ceremony.

With great joy they spoke of their memories with Sister Irene as a nurse in the Mukurwei-ini region.

They talked endlessly of the catechism classes they attended under her and her frequent visits to their homes.

One of the witnesses John Mbuthia recalled as if it just happened yesterday, how Sister Irene held his palm and prophesied to him that he would live long.

The 95 year old told the congregation that he owed Sister Irene the many years he has lived and termed her a ‘prophetess’.

“On one of Nyaatha’s visits to our home, she stretched out her arm and held my palm, she looked at it and told me I would live long. True to her words I am still alive, she is a true prophetess,” he narrated.

Security checks at the entrance of the Church were thorough with heavy presence of security officers outside and within the church compound.

A local, Margaret Wanjiru said she had never seen such a huge congregation in the Gikondi area.

“I have not witnessed this. Gikondi people will not forget this day,” she said.

The missionary life of Sister Irene unfolded in Gikondi and attained her nickname Nyaatha meaning Mother all Mercy.

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, Nyeri senator Mutahi Kagwe, the Mukurwei-ini MP Kabando wa Kabado and other government officials were in attendance.

Governor Gachagua noted that this event had placed the county in the world’s history books.

“Nyeri County is just but privileged to be hosting this event. Our impact will be felt in history and in years to come,” he said.

The Nyeri Archbishop Peter Kairu presided over mass.