On the passing of Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, Bishop of Keimoes-Upington
“Too costly in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful.” (Psalm 116:15)
It is with deep sorrow that IMBISA received the news of the passing of Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, Bishop of Keimoes-Upington, on the morning of 04 December 2025. His legacy of faith and commitment to the Gospel leaves us with a great teaching about giving and love for our neighbour.
He was born on 6 January 1949; entered the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in 1967, ordained a priest in 1974, and was appointed Bishop in July 2000 by Pope Saint John Paul II, receiving episcopal ordination that October. He went on to shepherd the diocese for twenty-five years.
His committed service to the Church in the region was once again evident through his active participation in the 14th IMBISA Plenary Assembly held in Eswatini in September 2025. There, he participated actively in the deliberations and served as one of the group representatives who presented reports to the assembly, offering thoughtful insights marked by pastoral experience, clarity, and deep commitment to the life of the Church in IMBISA.
At this time of pain and mourning, IMBISA, through prayer, expresses its solidarity, comfort, and fraternal closeness with the Southern Africa Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington, as well as the family and friends of Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi and all who lived with him and benefited from his priesthood and episcopate. May the full communion of life and love with God in eternity be the reward of this faithful servant of the Kingdom of God (cf. Mt 25:21).
May he rest in peace! United in prayerful communion, we move forward with the certainty that life has conquered death. Christ lives, and we with Him.
Harare, 05 December 2025