A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, has sadly passed away in the United States. He collapsed and died while on a walk on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The Catholic Diocese of Awka released a statement to confirm the unfortunate news on Friday, March 27. The statement, signed by the Chancellor of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi, noted that Fr. Oli was serving as the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota, at the time of his passing.
Fr. Oli had been ordained on August 23, 2008.
The statement included a reflective remembrance: “The funeral arrangements will be communicated shortly. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Michael Oli rest in peace, Amen.”
Bishop Scott Bullock from the Rapid City Diocese of Western South Dakota, who verified the occurrence, shared that the Meade County Deputy Sheriff has mandated an autopsy to investigate the cause of death.
In a formal statement, Bishop Bullock expressed his condolences, stating, “With confidence in the Resurrection of the Lord, I write to inform you of the sudden death this morning, March 26, 2026, of our brother Fr. Michael Oli, who was the Pastor of St. Joseph in Faith, St. Joseph in Mud Butte, and St. Anthony in Red Owl.”
He mentioned that he has been in contact with the Meade County Deputy Sheriff regarding the autopsy, emphasizing that the cause of death remains unknown, although Fr. Oli had not been feeling well prior to his collapse.
The bishop extended an invitation to all priests in the diocese to offer three Masses for Fr. Michael’s soul as arrangements are still in progress. He concluded, “Eternal rest grant unto him, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”
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