By Our Correspondent
The Catholic community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of a Nigerian priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, in the United States.
Fr. Oli reportedly collapsed and died while taking a walk on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
His death was confirmed by the Catholic Diocese of Awka in a statement issued on Friday.
The statement, signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi, disclosed that the late cleric was serving as the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota, prior to his passing. He was ordained on August 23, 2008.
Further confirmation came from Scott Bullock, who described the incident as sudden and shocking.
He noted that authorities have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
“At this point, we do not know the cause of death, only that he hadn’t been feeling well,” the bishop said.
He urged priests within the diocese to offer Masses for the repose of the deceased’s soul, in accordance with Catholic tradition.
The late Fr. Oli’s death has elicited grief among the faithful, both in Anambra, Nigeria and abroad, with many describing his passing as a significant loss to the Church.
