Edward Gabriel Risi

Edward Gabriel Risi O.M.I. (6 January 1949 – 4 December 2025) was a South African Roman Catholic prelate. He was bishop of the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington from 14 October 2000 until his death on 4 December 2025, at the age of 76. He was appointed bishop by Pope John Paul II. His episcopal consecration took place at Upington on 14 October 2000. He died in a hospital in Johannesburg. He was a professed member of the Catholic religious order of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.).

Background and education He was born on 6 January 1949 in Johannesburg. He attended Holy Rosary Convent School, in Edenvale. He then attended Saint Benedict's College, in Bedfordview. He studied at the novitiate of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, beginning in 1967. He studied at the Saint Joseph's Scholasticate, in Cedara, KwaZulu Natal. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree awarded by the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1973. He majored in Biblical Studies and History of Philosophy.

Priesthood He was ordained a priest for his Religious Order on 12 July 1974. He served as a priest until 5 July 2000. While a priest, he served in various roles and locations, including as:

Legacy Posthumously, he is reported to have been a "teacher" and "passionate liturgist". Among other roles, he served as "Chairperson of the Department for Christian Formation, Liturgy and Culture, and later as the Third Episcopal Member of the Department for Ecumenism" in the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC).