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Nigerian priest dies in US as visa expires
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Nigerian priest dies in US as visa expires

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Benjamin Madu, died in Massachusetts after his religious worker visa expired.
  • Authorities are not disclosing the cause of death, but a source familiar with the matter suggested suicide.
  • Madu was preparing to return to Nigeria after serving in the U.S. for several years, a departure that saddened parishioners.

Rev. Benjamin Madu, a Nigerian Catholic priest serving in Massachusetts, has died, church officials confirmed. Madu, a priest of the Diocese of Abakaliki in Nigeria, passed away on Thursday after years of ministry in the United States. Father Jim Achadinha, pastor of Gloucester and Rockport Catholic communities, called his death a "devastating loss," praising Madu's "true joy, kindness, and generosity" at Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish.

While authorities have not released the cause of death, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office stated that foul play is not suspected. A person familiar with the situation told NBC News that the priest died by suicide. Archbishop Richard Henning of the Archdiocese of Boston offered condolences to Madu's family, fellow priests, and the communities he served at Salem Hospital and in Cape Ann.

our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family, brother priests and friends in Nigeria as well as the many people Fr. Benjamin Madu ministered to here in Cape Ann and at Salem Hospital.

— Archbishop Richard HenningArchbishop Richard Henning of the Archdiocese of Boston extended condolences to those mourning the priest.

Madu had ministered primarily as a chaplain at Salem Hospital since 2021, alongside his duties at local parishes. His passing comes shortly before the 25th anniversary of his ordination. He was scheduled to return to Nigeria this month as his R-1 religious worker visa was set to expire on July 29. Church officials stated his home diocese had instructed him to leave earlier than planned.

U.S. immigration rules required Madu to depart before he could apply for a visa renewal. His impending departure had already caused sadness among parishioners, who affectionately knew him as "Father Ben" and valued his pastoral care. In a farewell message last month, Madu expressed his regret at leaving, stating, "Sincerely, it is not my wish to return home right now, but circumstances beyond my control have warranted that my time in the United States come to an end. My heart is broken, yet my joy remains." He conveyed hope for a future return to continue his ministry.

Sincerely, it is not my wish to return home right now, but circumstances beyond my control have warranted that my time in the United States come to an end. My heart is broken, yet my joy remains.

— Rev. Benjamin MaduIn a farewell message published on the parish website last month, Madu expressed his disappointment at having to leave the United States.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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