Another key witness of beatified Sister Irene Stefani (Nyaatha) dies at 106

Nyeri, Saturday July 1 2023

KNA by Kamiri Munyaka

The Catholic Church fraternity has lost yet another key witness of beatified Sister Irene Stefani (Nyaatha).

Centenarian Mrs. Elizabeth Muthoni Nyaga, a resident of Kiirungi village, Gikondi division, Mukurwe-ini Sub County, Nyeri breathed her last at the Nyeri’s Outspan hospital, where she was rushed after a short and age-related illness.

She was aged 106 having been born in 1917.

Confirming the sad incident, Nyeri Catholic Archdiocesan Postulator, Father Peter Githinji Nyaga termed Elizabeth’s death a big loss to Catholic Church as she was one of the two remaining witnesses who knew Sister Nyaatha firsthand having been taught catechism and some basic education by the distinguished Italian Nun.

“Elizabeth was taught catechism and how to read and write by Sister Irene (Nyaatha). She was a devout Catholic who has taught many about catechism and Catholic faith sacraments, besides serving in various leadership positions at Our Lady of Divine Providence, Gikondi Catholic Church’s Christian Women Association (CWA),” Father Githinji disclosed.

The Postulator said Elitha, as she was fondly referred to locally, had served as the chairlady for the local Mary Magdalene Jumuiya (Small Christian Community) adding that she had contributed a lot to the spread of Christianity in Gikondi and surrounding areas.

He revealed that the centenarian who is also his grandmother will be laid to rest at her home near Kiharo trading centre in Gikondi division next Friday, 7th July after a funeral service at the Gikondi Catholic Parish.

The priest’s sentiments were echoed by Mrs. Elizabeth Wamuyu Githinji who eulogized the deceased as a ‘saint’ owing to her commitment to the gospel and her prayer life’.

 “Elitha was a true Christian who loved everybody. At her home she had a special room, where she used to seek God. If anybody visited her while in that room praying, she couldn’t usher them in,” revealed Wamuyu saying she was recruited to CWA by her in 1979.

According to online sources, Sister Irene Stefani was cleared for beatification in 2014 after a miracle traced to her intercession was ratified.

She was beatified on 23 May 2019 in Nyeri by Cardinal Polycarp Pengo on behalf of Pope Francis.

Stefani served as a nurse in Kenya and it was while stationed at Gikondi that the locals nicknamed her nyina wa Nyaatha (mother of mercy) due to her unmatched self-sacrifice and kindness she demonstrated while she served them.

Unfortunately, many of the credible witnesses that the Consolata Missionary nun interacted with before succumbing to bubonic plague on 31st, October 1930 and lived to witness her beatification 7 years ago, have since passed on currently only one remains.

The other departed witnesses include John Baiye who died months after Sister Nyaatha was beatified, Catherine Wangari (Gaterina) and Emma Wangeci (Wagachomba).

Courtesy ; K . N. A