Centenarian in Nyeri County Pays Tribute to Blessed Sister Irene Stefani on Celebratory Day

Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County — As the Catholic world commemorates Blessed Sister Irene Stefani’s Day on October 31st, 2023, Milka Wambura Itundu, a 105-year-old resident of Karia village, Gikondi division, paid tribute to the Italian nun for treating her and her siblings of a severe illness, suspected to be leprosy, many years ago.

According to Kenya News Agency, Sister Irene Stefani, commonly known as Nyaatha, visited them and treated their disease without fear of contracting it herself.

Itundu, who is the only living credible witness of Sister Stefani, described her as showing unparalleled kindness to everyone, irrespective of their religious affiliations. Itundu, a member of the AIPCA church, recounted how Sister Stefani was always in the villages attending to the sick rather than at the Gikondi Catholic church where Itundu used to bring traditional vegetables.

Itundu’s testimony about Sister Stefani was recorded by Rome as part of the beatification process eight years ago. Other witnesses who have since passed away include John Baiye, Catherine Wangari, Emma Wangechi, and Elizabeth Muthoni Nyaga. Sister Stefani was beatified on May 23, 2015, in Mathari, Nyeri County, in a ceremony led by Dar es Salaam Cardinal Polycarp Pengo on behalf of Pope Francis.

During the beatification celebrations at Gikondi Catholic Parish, Itundu composed and performed a song in honor of Sister Stefani, capturing the admiration of international Catholic faithful. Even at her advanced age, she sang the same song during an interview yesterday.

Itundu has called upon the Nyeri County and National Governments to consider establishing a modern hospital in Gikondi division to honor Sister Stefani’s memory. “Sister Nyaatha was so fond of assisting the sick that she paid with her life. A hospital should be put up in her remembrance,” she insisted, highlighting the absence of quality medical services in the division. Her son, Kamau Itundu, a retired teacher, noted that his mother has never been hospitalized and maintains a spirited disposition.