Rev. Fr. Michael Chukwudubem Oli, a devoted priest of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Nigeria, who had been joyfully serving the Diocese of Rapid City in South Dakota, died suddenly on Thursday, March 26, 2026. He was serving as Pastor and Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota, along with the parishes of St. Joseph in Mud Butte and St. Anthony in Red Owl.

Born in Agulu, Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, Fr. Oli was ordained to the priesthood on August 23, 2008, for the Diocese of Awka. In his own words, upon arriving at his new assignment in Faith, he introduced himself with humility and zeal: “By the grace of God, your new servant in the house of God… I am so grateful to Fr. Janusz for all his excellent services, I hope and pray to continue in his footsteps… I hope and pray that you will help me to work for you and with you, to serve you on our journey to heaven! Peace be with you!”

His ministry was marked by faithful service and a deep love for God’s people. After ordination, he served for six years as manager and administrator of an all-girls high school. He then spent three years as Executive Secretary and unit head at the National Secretariat of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. He pursued further studies in Canada before engaging in parish ministry there. In February 2023, he arrived in the Diocese of Rapid City and served as Associate Pastor at St. Therese of the Little Flower Parish in Rapid City. On July 1, 2024, he was appointed Administrator of the Faith-area parishes, and on September 27, 2024, he became their Pastor.

On the 16th anniversary of his ordination, he reflected with gratitude: “Who am I, Lord, that you shower me with so much love, especially on this momentous day marking 16 years of my ordination to the priesthood? Despite my imperfections, you continue to believe in my potential for positive change and personal growth.”

The Catholic Diocese of Awka mourns Fr. Oli’s sudden passing and issued a condolences statement to his family, parishioners, the Diocese of Rapid City, and everyone who knew and loved him.

Visitation will start at 4:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, SD. 

A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A reception will follow in St. Joseph's Hall.