Irene Stefani, nun (1891–1930)

Biography

An Italian Consolata missionary, Irene Stefani spent her life caring for the sick and announcing the Gospel in East Africa. After caring for her motherless brothers, she entered the congregation and was sent to Kenya. During the First World War he worked in field hospitals among African porters, a service for which he received a decoration. Later he toured villages, attended dispensaries, taught catechism and provided physical and spiritual help without measuring distances or fatigue. People called her “Nyaatha”, merciful mother. She died at the age of thirty-nine, weakened by fever and continuous service.