“He died in his mission in South Sudan. He leaves behind a legacy of a life
well lived,” said the Rev. Andrea Okello, vicar general of the diocese.
Pope Benedict XVI expressed sadness at Mazzolari’s death, according to
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state. “With gratitude
to the almighty … for the late bishop’s lifelong dedication as a Comboni
missionary and for his selfless service of the people of Africa, his
Holiness commends his soul to the loving mercy of the heart of Jesus,” said
Bertone.
Mazzolari collapsed during morning Mass at Holy Family Cathedral in
Rumbek
and was rushed to Rumbek State Hospital, where it was confirmed he died
of a
heart attack.
“His contribution towards an independent Republic of South Sudan cannot
be
questioned,” said Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio
diocese
in South Sudan, where Mazzolari served for nearly two decades. Hiiboro
said
Mazzolari managed gains in infrastructure, civic awareness, education and
agriculture and raised the image and dignity of the people of South Sudan.
Born in Brescia, Italy, in 1937, Mazzolari was ordained a Comboni
priest in 1962 in San Diego. For 19 years, he worked among
African-American and Mexican mine workers. In 1982, he was appointed by
his
order to the diocese of Tombura-Yambio. In 1999, he was consecrated
bishop
of Rumbek.
