A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Benjamin Okwy Madu, popularly known as Father Ben, has died unexpectedly in the United States just days after delivering an emotional farewell message to his parishioners ahead of his planned return to Nigeria.
Father Ben, 54, died on Thursday evening, July 2, after serving Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish in Massachusetts for more than four years.
His death was announced by the pastor of the Catholic Community of Gloucester and Rockport, Rev. James M. Achadinha, who described the late priest as a dedicated servant of God who had spent nearly 25 years in the priesthood.
In addition to his parish ministry, Father Ben also served as a chaplain at Salem Hospital.
According to the Archdiocese of Boston, the Nigerian priest’s U.S. visa was due to expire later in July, requiring him to return to Nigeria.
Reports said efforts by the Archdiocese, parishioners and immigration attorneys to secure an extension that would allow him to remain in the United States were unsuccessful.
Father Ben, who belonged to the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, was reportedly directed by his bishop to return home before the expiration of his visa.
Reacting to his passing, Archbishop Richard G. Henning extended condolences to the late priest’s family, fellow clergy and the faithful.
“We extend 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,” the archbishop said.
Rev. Achadinha also urged parishioners to pray for the repose of Father Ben’s soul.
“As more information becomes available about Father Ben’s tragic passing, I will share it with our parishioners,” he said.
“Until then, I invite you to join me in praying for the soul of Father Ben, for his grieving family and friends all around the world, and for all who mourn the loss of this good man and holy priest.”
Only days before his death, the parish had published Father Ben’s farewell message to members, in which he expressed sadness over his impending departure from the United States.
“I will miss the home I found away from home, a mother far from my mother, a father far from my father, and a people far from my own people,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his eight years in the United States, Father Ben said he had hoped to remain longer but accepted that circumstances beyond his control had brought his ministry in America to an end.
“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,” he wrote.
“My heart is broken, yet my joy remains.”
Following news of his death, parishioners and members of the Catholic Community of Gloucester and Rockport took to social media to pay tribute, describing Father Ben as a compassionate priest whose ministry touched countless lives.
A memorial Mass in his honour was celebrated on Saturday, July 4, at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
