By Yang Ater
Christians of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek are mourning the death of the parish priest of Holy Cross Yirol West Catholic Church, Fr. Andrea Osman Okello, who passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 66.
Fr. Andrea Osman Okello died on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Holy Family Cathedral in Rumbek after a short illness.
The announcement of his death was made by Fr. Luka Dor, Coordinator for Social Communication in the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, on behalf of Bishop Christian Carlassare, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese.
In the statement, Fr. Luka Dor quoted the scripture:
“Come, my faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21, 23)
“With deep sorrow and Christian hope in the resurrection, we announce the passing of Fr. Andrea Osman Okello, who departed peacefully to the Lord this morning, 13 May 2026, in Rumbek,” the statement read.
The statement described Fr. Andrea Osman Okello as a priest who devoted his life faithfully to the service of God and His people through ministry, prayer, compassion, and dedication to the church.
“His witness of faith, humility, and love touched many lives and will remain a lasting inspiration to all who knew him. As we mourn his passing, we entrust his soul to the infinite mercy of God and pray that Christ, whom he served faithfully on earth, may welcome him into eternal peace and joy. May the Lord grant him eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in Peace, Fr. Andrea Osman Okello,” the statement added.
Speaking to the media, Fr. Luka Dor said Fr. Andrea Osman Okello woke up well on Wednesday morning and went for morning prayers and Mass before collapsing at the church gate.
“He prayed during the morning Mass, and after the Mass, he collapsed at the gate of the church. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors later confirmed his death,” he said.
Fr. Luka added that preparations for the burial are underway at the Holy Family Cathedral in Rumbek, where mourners have gathered for prayers.
“We will continue praying until the day Father is buried on Saturday,” he said.
He described the priest’s death as shocking and unexpected.
Civil society activist and member of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, Angelina Adhel Malual, also expressed her condolences to the Church and the people of Lakes State.
“My heartfelt condolences to the entire Catholic Church family and the people of Lakes State on the passing of Fr. Andrea Osman Okello,” she said.
“It is heartbreaking news for all of us. I encourage everyone to remain united during this difficult time.”
Angelina recalled that Fr. Andrea Osman baptised her first daughter in 2005.
“I felt he was my father as well, and my daughter feels the same because he baptised her when she was still a young girl,” she said.
She prayed for God to grant him eternal rest.
Dr. Terran Madit, Medical Director of Rumbek State Hospital, said the priest was brought to the hospital early Wednesday morning in an unconscious condition.
“At around 6:30 AM, there was a call from the Outpatient Department about an emergency involving a priest from the Diocese of Rumbek,” he explained.
“When I arrived and examined him, he was already dead. I believe he either died before arriving at the hospital or on the way.”
Dr. Madit said witnesses informed him that Fr. Andrea Osman had been suffering from hypertension.
“Based on the information given, the possible cause of death could have been a stroke or another complication related to hypertension,” he said.
“Hypertension is known as a silent killer, and sudden death can happen without warning.”
He added that according to eyewitnesses, the priest had not complained of illness before collapsing on his way to morning prayers.
“We considered it a sudden death because there was no complaint or visible illness apart from his chronic hypertension,” Dr. Madit said.