An alumnus of the Rome-based Pontifical Gregorian University, Bishop Rebello previously served as the Provincial Superior of the SVDs in Kenya and Parish Vicar in Angola.
Prior to his appointment as Bishop, he served as the Parish Priest of Holy Cross Mogoditshane Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Gaborone in Botswana.
In a Saturday May 4 statement, members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) share their “heartfelt condolences”.
“The news of the unexpected passing away of bishop Anthony Rebello reached us. We are shocked and sad about this news,” SACBC President Bishop Sithembele Sipuka says, and adds, “On behalf of the SACBC, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Diocese of Francistown, the Society of Divine Word, and his biological family.”
“May all be consoled by the fact that Bishop Rebello was a humble man of strong and exemplary faith who we believe is now in the company of his Risen Lord. May you all be consoled and may Bishop Rebello rest in peace,” Bishop Sipuka implores.
In April 2022, late Bishop Rebello was “badly injured” following an attack by robbers on the night of 29 April 2022. He reportedly recovered from the attack after days in the hospital.
In Botswana, Bishop Rebello is known for his ministry towards migrants and refugees.
In a 24 June interview with ACI Africa, the late Catholic Bishop spoke about the refugees his Episcopal See was hosting, who he said were natives of “Burundi, Angola, Zimbabwe and Uganda.”
“This diocese is a welcoming diocese; the Sisters and the Priests are welcoming, and they have been visiting the detention center and the refugee center,” he said, and added, “I personally have visited both the centers and they are in my heart.”
In the interview, Bishop Rebello highlighted the kind of apostolate at the detention and refugee centers, including undocumented people on the move detained at Dukwi Refugee Camp.
