Sister Nyaatha's relics to be preserved in special bullet-proof coffin

A Sarcophagus that will bear the relics of Sister Irene Nyaatha Stefani at the Cathedral.

The beatification of Sister Irene ‘Nyaatha’ Stefani has introduced unique ways of preserving bodies.

Two weeks ago, engineers from Pavan Aluminium travelled to Nyeri and installed a sarcophagus at Our Lady of Consolata Catholic Cathedral in Nyeri town.

According to Wikipedia, a sarcophagus is a box-like funeral receptacle for a corpse, mostly carved in stone and displayed above the ground. In most cases, sarcophagus are made of carved stone or marble, but Sister Nyaatha’s is made of aluminum stands and bullet proof glass. The inner part of the base is painted in blue, giving a beautiful glaring reflection.

Sister Flora Palaziol, a Consolata Missionaries nun who designed the tomb, said the transparent bullet proof glass will enhance security for relics of the late nun. Remains of a holy person are referred to as relics.

“We wanted to strike a difference. We wanted to ensure that faithful attending the church can clearly see the coffin that has the relics of Sister Nyaatha and ensure its security,” said Palaziol.

In the history of Egypt, sarcophagus were mostly designed to remain above the ground. It formed the outer layer of protection for a royal mummy, with several layers of coffins nested within, and were often carved out of alabaster.

Egyptians also decorated them with paint or carved representations of the deceased.

At the moment, the relics of Sister Nyaatha are preserved in a brown marble sarcophagus installed on the wall just next to the exit of Mathari Central Chapel in Nyeri.

The sarcophagus contains the coffin bearing Nyaatha’s relics and the Vatican ordered it to be sealed to ensure no external components are added or either, any of the relics are removed until the beatification day.

This is probably in line with the Roman model where they were designed to be placed on a wall.

They were also decorated on the three exposed sides. In Rome, sarcophagus were made for important figures, mostly rulers and leading church figures.

The same is replicated in the case of beatification of Sister Nyaatha, a former Consolata Missionaries nun who passed on in 1930 at Gikondi area in Mukurweini, Nyeri County.

The sarcophagus was installed at Our Lady of Consolata Cathedral in Nyeri, and its unique materials make it the first of its kind.

Sister Palaziol said she designed the casket and forwarded it to Vatican, who approved it.

“We were then instructed to look for a competent contractor who could make the design a reality,” said Palaziol.

She added: “We want a case where people will be able to view the coffin bearing the relics of Sister Nyaatha and the sarcophagus is enhancing this.”

At the moment, the relics of sister Nyaatha are preserved at Mathari Central Chapel and on May 24, they will be transferred to our Lady of Consolata Cathedral.

“The coffin bearing the relics of Sister Nyaatha will be placed inside the sarcophagus, which will be sealed,” said Father Peter Githinji, the coordinator of the beatification event.