Dedication to woman of virtue

‘In simplicity, honesty I follow,’
‘In simplicity, fidelity I follow,’

‘Like a sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, so I turn toward you, to follow you, my God,’

The refrain above was a dedication by Mother General of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, Simona Brambilaa, describing the work of Sister Irene Stefani during a celebratory mass at Gikondi Catholic Church in Mukurwe-ini yesterday.

The 1,000-seat capacity church overflowed with believers, an expression of admiration for a dedicated nun who served in this village, 85 years ago.

Catholic faithful yesterday put aside other daily chores and dedicated time to participate in a celebratory mass that brought other faithful from all over the world in a melodic filled mass celebrated in English, Swahili and Italian.

The mass choir, comprising of members from the six local Catholic churches, composed songs of praise, highlighting the sacrifices and actions of Stefani. During the mass, three screens were erected in the compound to proclaim the affirmation of the decade-long service of Stefani, popularly known as ‘Nyaatha’.

“Dear Brothers and Sisters, we welcome you to this unique and great occasion, to celebrate the faithfulness of God shown in history through his saints,” said Father Gortardo Pascaletti from the Vatican to mark the beginning of the three-hour service.

Throughout the service, Nyaatha’s work in the decade-long actions were commended. She is  remembered for being a founder of the Mary Immaculate Sisters.

“She brought a touch of the light of God and reflected the radiance of His goodness into the world. Let us open our hearts to the Lord that He may will it with love and missionary zeal as we celebrate the life of holiness of a Consolata missionary Sister, who lived and died for the coming of Gods Kingdom,” said Fr Githinji, the Postulator of Nyeri.

That she also found favour amongst those she interacted with during her service as a nurse, catechism tutor and as an educator, was a key feature of the mass. “Her name was in the hearts of everyone,” one of the readers celebrated Nyaatha during the mass.

Her most celebrated quotes include; ‘I will love charity, more than my own self,’ and ‘ Father accept my life, I give it up as a sacrifice of love.”