Papal visit stirs life at the quiet St Joseph women's project in Kangemi

Sister Ida Logonegro admires the vestments that the Pope will wear during Mass today. [PHOTO: GEORGE ORIDO/Standard]

 

In all her 48 years as a nun, Sister Ida Logonegro has never undertaken such an important and delicate role as she is right now.

 

The lady from Pardova, Italy near the Shakespearean city of Venice, is leading a group of committed tailors at St Joseph the Worker Women's Project in the sprawling slums of Kangemi, to make the Pope's garment.

 "It is a great honour, but also great responsibility to make for the Holy Father the vestments – a person in charge of faithful in the whole World," says Sister Ida.

She reveals that the process of making the Pope's vestments, that include two chasubles, two stoles and one alb had been smooth given the experience the women have in making the official and ceremonial dressings associated with the Catholic faith.

first Chasuble

Indeed, they have also received orders for priests as well as other laity who will be part of tomorrow's mass celebration at the University of Nairobi to be presided over by Pope Francis.

In total, there is an order for 2000 stoles, 70 chasubles, 370 alb surplices, delatics and alter linens.

Mary Joy, who works with the team as a supervisor, explains that the process involves choosing a design together and cutting the material.

"We then embarked on sewing with the machine but also by hand depending on what was to be done. All that is needed is an eye for detail," she explains at the workshop as the rest of the team works with clinical  diligence on the rest of the orders.

The design incorporates embroidery for such décor as the cross and application of cut-out kitenge with Maasai ornamental prints, to bring a beautiful effect, yet remaining modest.

A special seal - I.H.S - is emblazoned on the alb to show the Pope is a member of the Jesuits or Apostles of Jesus missionaries.

The Pope is scheduled to visit the slum in what has now become his fondness to identify with the poor and the lowliest of society.

The priestly garb includes a cream stole with the Papal visit emblem, a dove with Pentecostal fire in the background and the map of Kenya in the midst of the fire. The theme reads, thus, 'Stand Strong in Faith ... Do Not Be Afraid'.

The stole is worn over a white alb symbolising holiness.

Normally, stoles cost between Sh1,500 and Sh2,000 whilst an alb costs between Sh4,000 and Sh8,000. A chasuble (the one worn over the alb) will fetch between Sh6,000 and Sh15,000, says the salesperson Sarah Ndungu.

Other items the women are preparing for the big day include anctures, cassocks, amise, gowns and mitres for the bishops.

The vestments when ready will be held in the safe custody of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops.