Rev. Benjamin Madu
Picnews
A Nigerian Roman Catholic priest serving in the United States has died by suicide while preparing to return to Nigeria following complications surrounding the renewal of his U.S. religious worker visa.
Rev. Benjamin Madu, a priest of the Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, died last Thursday, according to officials of the Archdiocese of Boston. He had served as a hospital chaplain at Salem Hospital since 2021 and also ministered at Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Announcing the tragic development, Father Jim Achadinha described Madu’s passing as a “devastating loss,” praising his dedication, compassion, and generosity throughout his years of ministry. He noted that the late priest faithfully served the parish communities with joy and kindness.
Authorities have not officially disclosed the cause of death. However, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that foul play is not suspected, while an autopsy was scheduled as officials sought to contact Madu’s family in Nigeria. A source familiar with the matter told NBC News that the priest died by suicide.
Archbishop Richard Henning of the Archdiocese of Boston extended condolences to Madu’s family, fellow priests, and friends in Nigeria, as well as to the many parishioners and hospital patients whose lives he touched during his ministry in Massachusetts.
Madu, who was ordained 25 years ago at St. Theresa Cathedral in Abakaliki, had been scheduled to return to Nigeria this month after his R-1 religious worker visa approached its expiration date. Church officials said he had initially hoped to remain in the U.S. until the end of July but was instructed by his home diocese to return earlier.
Under U.S. immigration regulations, holders of R-1 religious worker visas are generally required to leave the country to renew their status. Although U.S. authorities recently eased some renewal requirements, immigration processing restrictions affecting Nigeria reportedly limited available options for extending Madu’s legal stay.
In a farewell message published on the website of the Gloucester and Rockport Catholic parishes before his planned departure, Madu expressed deep sadness over leaving the United States.
“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 wrote, adding that he hoped to one day return to continue his ministry and that he would greatly miss the community.
The announcement of his impending departure had surprised many parishioners, who affectionately knew him as “Father Ben.” In addition to his parish responsibilities, he was widely recognised for providing spiritual care and comfort to patients and their families at Salem Hospital during difficult moments.
Source: NBC News / NBC Boston / News Express.
