South African Catholic Bishop Known for Liturgical Reform at Conference Dies at 76

Johannesburg, 04 December, 2025 / 10:41 PM

Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, known for the liturgical reform that has put the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) among the “most up-to-date” Conferences in liturgical matters, has passed away at the age of 76.

The passing on of Bishop Gabriel in the morning hours of Thursday, December, at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg was announced by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Keimoes-Upington, which the late Bishop served since his Episcopal Ordination on 14 October 2000.

“Condolences to the Risi family and the Oblate of Mary Immaculate family. May they find peace and solace in the Lord. Condolences to the faithful of the Diocese for whom the Bishop had so much love,” Fr Neville Brand said.

He said that Bishop Gabriel's funeral arrangements would be communicated at a later stage, adding, “May the Lord receive him in His presence, and may His perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace.”

In his opening address at the SACBC January Plenary Assembly in Pretoria, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka, then SACBC praised the late Bishop for his remarkable 25 years of service to the conference.

“Under his leadership, we are proud to be among the most up-to-date Conferences regarding liturgical matters,” Bishop Sipuka said of the late Bishop.

The Bishop of South Africa’s Mthatha Diocese said that the New English Roman Missal was “proactively introduced” in the Church in southern Africa, even before it was published, adding, “We continue to keep up with all revised liturgical texts, always ready to vote on necessary changes.”

“Our last visit to the Dicastery for Divine Worship during the Ad Limina was one of the most productive dialogues, thanks to Bishop Risi’s diligent efforts in preparing for it,” Bishop Sipuka said at the address in which he paid tribute to all retiring members of SACBC.

He added, “The Department for Liturgy, Christian Formation, and Culture, under the leadership of Bishop Risi, consistently facilitates workshops and produces books to ensure a sound and comprehensive culturally integrated formation of the laity.”

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.

While Catholics appreciate Bishop Risi’s commitment to liturgical formation, Bishop Sipuka said it is unfortunate that many fail to fully implement his teachings.

Bishop Sipuka said that the late Bishop has also been essential in drafting the SACBC Pastoral Plan launched in 2020, aiming to foster a vibrant Catholic laity and enhance Evangelisation efforts.

“It would be detrimental for this carefully crafted Pastoral plan with a lot of work to fade into obscurity; revisiting it would be beneficial, particularly for the bishops who came after it was launched,” he told his brother Bishops.

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, Pope Saint 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.