It is with deep sorrow that the IMBISA Secretariat learned of the passing of Bishop Abílio Rodas de Sousa Ribas, Bishop Emeritus of the diocese of São Tomé e Príncipe, who died on the night of Sunday, February 2, 2025, the Feast Day of Venerable Francis Libermann. Bishop Ribas, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp.), was 94 years old.
Born in 1931, Bishop Ribas joined the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, making his perpetual vows on March 8, 1953, and was ordained a priest on September 21, 1957. On December 21, 1984, while serving as Deputy Secretary of Caritas Angola in Luanda, he was elected Bishop of São Tomé and Príncipe by Pope John Paul II. He was ordained bishop in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace in São Tomé on February 24, 1985. Bishop Ribas served with great dedication until his retirement in December 2006 at the age of 75.
As we mourn his loss, we give thanks for Bishop Ribas’ remarkable life and service to the Church. The IMBISA Secretariat extends heartfelt condolences to his family, the clergy, religious, and faithful of São Tomé e Príncipe, as well as to the bishops of CEAST. We join in prayer for the eternal repose of his soul. May he rest in peace.