Pope visit preparations in top gear as Church chooses alter

Catholic Church secretariat involved in planning of the papal visit to the country has announced that Pope Francis will be using the altar that was used during Sister Irene Stefani Nyatha’s beatification ceremony.

The announcement was made at the grand unveiling for a special delegation from the Kenya Conference of Catholic of Bishops at the Consolata Mission church in Nyeri, who inspected the altar to be used by the pope during his visit.

Stephen Okello, from the Kenya conference of Catholic of bishops said, “This altar is historical. It was designed many years ago and was used for the beatification ceremony of Sister Irene Stefani.”

The altar which stands at three feet high, is eight feet long and three and a half feet wide, is said to have been constructed more than 100 years ago and was chosen for its rich history.

“It gives testimony to the presence of the Catholic Church in the country, “said Okello.

The slightly scarred altar is now set to be transported to Nairobi and restored to mint condition before it is used.

St. Paul’s church in Nairobi was also bustling with activities on Sunday as choir members from different parts of the country converged to rehearse in time of the Pope’s visit come November.

Believers from all over the country and beyond are expected to attend the mass, which will be held at St. Paul Parish.

Pope Francis is scheduled to celebrate mass at the University of Nairobi grounds on 26^th November with believers expected to overflow into Central and Uhuru Parks.

All Catholics are set to begin special prayers next Sunday, praying for a smooth and successful visit.

Meanwhile, State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said Pope Francis would inspect a guard of honor and receive a 21-gun salute accorded to visiting Heads of State when he lands on November 25^th.