It is with regret that we inform you of the death at around 10:30 AM on Monday, 26th May 2025, in Herberthaus, Brixen, Italy at the age of 91 of
Fr Alois Stuppner
Mill Hill Missionary
May he rest in peace
With deep reverence and gratitude, we honour the life and legacy of Fr. Alois Stuppner, a devoted missionary priest whose tireless service and unwavering faith touched countless lives in Uganda, Kenya, and Tirol. He dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and nurturing communities through education, development, and spiritual guidance. Born on 23rd July 1933 in Mӧlten, South Tirol, Northern Italy, Alois was the son of Johan Stuppner and Rosa (née Schwarz). His father was a farmer, and he grew up alongside five brothers and three sisters.
His seminary journey began at the Diocesan Seminary in Dorf Tirol from 1945 to 1952. In 1952, he joined the Mill Hill Missionaries, studying Philosophy for two years in Brixen before proceeding to St. Joseph’s College, Mill Hill, London, for theological studies and missionary formation in 1954. He took his Perpetual Oath on 6th May 1957, and just over a year later, he was ordained as a missionary priest at the chapel of St. Joseph’s College on 13th July 1958 by Cardinal Godfrey of Westminster.
Appointed to Tororo in 1958, Alois embraced his missionary work with unmatched devotion. Over the years, he served in Bududa, Amuria, Dabani, Orungo, Sipi, and Kumi, guiding communities with wisdom, care, and selfless love. His leadership as Parish Priest in Kumi exemplified his dedication, as he worked tirelessly to uplift his parishioners, offering spiritual comfort, advocating for education, and promoting religious and priestly vocations. Despite challenges—including his indirect expulsion during Amin’s regime in 1975—Alois’ commitment never wavered. His steadfast faith led him to Western Kenya, particularly to Nyansiongo in Kisii Diocese, where he ministered with great devotion, energy, and enthusiasm, tending to the needs of mind, body, and spirit.
Fluent in Italian, Ateso, Sebei, Lugishu, Luganda, and Luggwe, Alois communicated not only through words but also through the deep compassion he extended to all. His passion for education and vocations empowered generations, ensuring that both knowledge and faith flourished in the communities he served. In July 2018, he celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of his missionary ordination, marking 60 years of faithful service—a testament to his lifelong dedication. In his thank-you letter to the General Council for their Jubilee felicitations, he wrote: “To my great joy, my former bishop opened a parish last Saturday in one of the outstations of Nyansiongo, where I bought the land 30 years ago. As you see, I am still closely connected with Kenya, or better, Nyansiongo. Two Sisters and a Father will come for my Jubilee. God gave me 16 priests and 30 sisters from the people of Nyansiongo.”
Alois’ legacy will forever live in the hearts of those he ministered to, the communities he nurtured, and the lives he transformed. His journey was one of love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. As we remember him, we celebrate his selfless contributions and honour his example of faith and devotion. May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love of the Lord.
His remains will be laid to rest in the cemetery of his home parish in MÓ§lten at 2:30 P.M (local time) on Monday, 2nd June, following a Funeral and Thanksgiving Mass offered in his honour.
