The Bishop Emeritus of Torit said his diocese lost a great and committed leader, Bishop Akio Johnson Mutek, who gave all his time and health for the service of the Church.
Bishop Paride Taban made this statement at Juba International Airport while waiting for the remains of Late Bishop Akio to arrive from Nairobi where he died on Monday.Bishop Taban said he retired hoping that Bishop Akio would take over the unfinished business in the diocese after the civil war ended.
He added that Bishop Akio was a hardworking and courageous man.
Bishop Taban said Bishop Akio’s death has broken his heart.
He added that he felt like a grandfather who lost a young son.
Bishop Taban thanked the public and the authorities for mourning for bishop Akio.
Bishop Taban, Bishop Santo Loku Pio and Speaker James Wani Igga were among the big crowd that received with prayers and wailing the remains of Bishop Akio at Juba International Airport on Thursday morning.
The cortege brought the casket to St Theresa’s Cathedral for a requiem mass presided over by Archbishop Paolino Lukudu Loro accompanied by scores of priests from Juba and neighbouring dioceses.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit attended the mass with some members of his government.