Late South African Bishop Known for Liturgical Reform at Conference Eulogized “for significant contribution” to Exorcism

Johannesburg, 08 December, 2025 / 3:20 PM

Late Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, widely remembered for advancing liturgical renewal at the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), has also been eulogized for his “significant contribution” to the formation of exorcists in the three-nation Conference. He died on December 4, aged 76.

In a tribute to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Keimoes-Upington issued on Friday, December 5, SACBC President, Stephen Cardinal Brislin, eulogizes the late Bishop for helping to strengthen the liturgical practice and formation of exorcists in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa to global standards.

During his tenure as the third Episcopal Member of the Department for Ecumenism, and as Chairperson of the Department for Christian Formation, Liturgy and Culture, Bishop Risi “made a significant contribution to the ministry and formation of exorcists in the SACBC region,” Cardinal Brislin says.

“Bishop Risi will be remembered throughout the Conference for his unwavering passion for Liturgy, his deep devotion to the Church's tradition, and his tireless commitment to the formation of clergy and laity,” the South African Cardinal adds.

The Local Ordinary of South Africa's Johannesburg Catholic Archdiocese says that the late Bishop’s leadership “ensured that the SACBC remained among the most up-to-date Conferences in the world regarding liturgical matters.”

“He guided the introduction of the New English Roman Missal and worked tirelessly to ensure that revised liturgical texts were properly understood and implemented,” he further eulogizes the late Catholic Bishop.

Additionally, the Cardinal says that Bishop Risi’s “meticulous preparation for the SACBC's last Ad Limina visit contributed to one of the most fruitful dialogues with the Dicastery for Divine Worship in recent memory.”

Bishop Risi’s death followed several months of ill-health. The Bishop had been in and out of the hospital since May 2025. 

On Tuesday, December 2, he was reportedly admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg with a serious heart condition and remained in the Intensive Care Unit until his passing.

In his message, the SACBC president says that Bishop Risi also played a central role in drafting the SACBC Pastoral Plan (2020), intended to renew evangelisation and strengthen the formation of the laity.

“The Conference acknowledges his vision and dedication in shaping this important instrument for pastoral life,” says the South African Cardinal, who started his Episcopal Ministry in January 2007 as Bishop of South Africa’s Kroonstad Catholic Diocese.

The Cardinal, who was appointed to the Vatican Dicastery for the Clergy, adds, “We give thanks for the life and ministry of Bishop Edward Risi, OMI. May the Lord whom he served so faithfully grant him eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him.”

Born on 6 January 1949, Bishop Risi entered the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in 1967 and made his profession the following year.

He was ordained a Priest on 12 July 1974, beginning a ministry marked by missionary dedication, pastoral gentleness, and a profound love for the Church’s liturgical life.

In July 2000, St. John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Keimoes-Upington, a Diocese he would shepherd faithfully for twenty-five years. He was ordained Bishop on 14 October 2000, becoming one of the most active and respected contributors to the life of the SACBC.