NYERI, MARCH 1, 2016 (CISA) – Archbishop Peter Kairu on Monday February 29, led the faithful of Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri in breaking the 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 Peter Kairu of Nyeri said the chapel will be used by Christians for holding prayers while the shrine will also act as a tourist attraction site where pilgrims can visit on an annual basis to remember the Italian Sister who is only one step to being declared a Saint.
“This is a perfect opportunity the Church is offering to both local and international pilgrims to visit the site and pray as they observe Sr 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 Plague from a teacher who she had gone to assist. This shrine will be a good symbol to remind our Christians,” Fr Githinji said.
According to Fr Githinji, the project which is estimated to cost KSh 3million and will be funded by monies contributed by well-wishers and faithful from the Church.
