The Catholic community of Torit diocese is gripped in sorrow following the sudden death of two of its priests within 24 hours.
Michael Okello, a lecturer at St. Paul’s Major Seminary in Juba, collapsed at 4:00 PM on Wednesday and died shortly after at Juba Teaching Hospital.Retired priest Victor Gira, who joined army during the liberation struggle, died on Tuesday afternoon.
Catholic Bishop Johnson Akio Mutek of Torit issued a radio message lamenting the loss, Radio Emmanuel reported.
He said the two deceased were young men full of energy and initiatives for the development of South Sudan.
The Bishop added that the death of Fr. Okello affected greatly St. Paul’s Major Seminary where he had been teaching.
Bishop Akio said “death came in a strange way” as it has snatched Fr Okello away, interrupting future plans.
He added that priests were travelling from Torit to Juba, Palotaka and Loa to plan burial arrangements.
Bishop Akio prayed for the souls of the two priests to rest in eternal peace.