The Catholic Church fraternity has lost yet another key witness of beatified Sister Irene Stefani (Nyaatha).
Centenarian Elizabeth Muthoni Nyaga, a resident of Kiirungi village, Gikondi division, Mukurwe-ini subcounty in Nyeri breathed her last at the Nyeri’s Outspan Hospital, where she was rushed after a short age-related illness.
She was aged 106 having been born in 1917.
Nyeri Catholic Archdiocesan Postulator Father Peter Githinji Nyaga termed Elizabeth’s death a big loss to Catholic Church. He said she was one of the two remaining witnesses who knew Sister Nyaatha firsthand, having been taught catechism and some basic education by the 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),” Fr Githinji said.
The postulator said Elitha, as she was fondly referred to locally, had served as the chairlady of the local Mary Magdalene Jumuiya (Small Christian Community), adding she had contributed a lot to the spread of Christianity in Gikondi and surrounding areas.
He said the centenarian, who is also his grandmother, will be laid to rest at her home near Kiharo trading centre in Gikondi on July 7, after a funeral service at Gikondi Catholic Parish.
Elizabeth Wamuyu Githinji eulogised 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,” Wamuyu said.
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 May 23, 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 residents 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 October 31, 1930, and lived to witness her beatification seven 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).
