Construction of Blessed Irene Stefani shrine to start

The Archbishop of Nyeri, Peter Kairo on Monday 29 February, led the faithful of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri in breaking ground for the construction of a shrine in memory of Sr Irene Stefani ‘Nyaatha.’

The shrine will be constructed in Gikondi parish, where Sr Irene Stefani who was beatified in May 23, 2015, worked and died.

A small chapel will also be built where her former semi-permanent house stood, adjacent to 'Our Lady of Divine Providence Church.’ Archbishop Kairo said the chapel and shrine will be used by Christians and pilgrims especially on an annual basis.

“This is a perfect opportunity the Church is offering to both local and international pilgrims to visit the site and pray as they observe Blessed Irene’s humble home,” the Archbishop said.

 According to Fr Peter Githinji, the Nyeri Archdiocese postulator, the shrine will play the role of reminding Christians to be merciful and generous to their colleagues, attributes that were portrayed by Blessed Sr Irene during her service.

“This is where she used to stay and serve the Lord. And through her mercy, she contracted the Plague from a teacher who she had gone to assist. This shrine will be a good symbol and reminder to our Christians,” Fr Githinji said.

According to Fr Githinji, the project which is estimated to cost KSh 3million will be funded by monies contributed by well-wishers and faithful from the Church.

(CISA, Nairobi)