Journey to sainthood for Sister Stefani starts

It is official the beatification of Sister Irene Stefani has started.

This is after a casket containing her remains was removed from Mathari Old Chapel where it had been kept in a seal since 1995 after her remains were exhumed following a directive from Rome.

The ceremony which was carried out on Thursday evening with the supervision of Nyeri Archbishop Peter Kairu and the diocese lawyers who are also priests took less than 45 minutes.

Six witnesses had to confirm whether the special wax seals had been tampered with and after the casket was removed from the tomb like box, they went round the wooden casket confirming and counterchecking whether they were intact.

And all, starting with Archbishop Kairu confirmed the seals were intact.

Jubilation and ululation from Catholic Faithful who had flocked in to witness the event after attending a mass at the same venue filled the Mathari Old Chapel, confirming the beatification ceremony had started.

The six witnesses had to sign a decree confirming all was well.

After that the casket was taken back to the tomb-like box but this time it was not locked.

Faithfuls were allowed to take selfies and photographs near the casket which will remain there until Sunday when it will be removed and taken to Our Lady of Consolata Cathedral Church through a procession led by the British Army.

According to Fr David Mutahi, Legal Officer of the Church, beatification ceremony would not have proceeded if either of the six witness appointed from Rome found the seals had been interfered with.

“We are really happy and excited that our prayer and wish has come true. We now hope another miracle will be realized soon so that Sister Irene can be declared a saint,” said Fr Mutahi.

Before removing the casket, Archbishop Kairu blessed the dais at Dedan Kimathi grounds where the main ceremony will be conducted on Saturday.