Rev. Benjamin Madu, a Nigerian Catholic priest of the Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, has died in Massachusetts, just weeks after delivering an emotional farewell message to parishioners as he prepared to return to Nigeria following the expiration of his religious worker visa.
The priest died on Thursday after years of dedicated service as a hospital chaplain and parish priest in Massachusetts, where he became widely known for his compassionate ministry and pastoral care.
Announcing the heartbreaking development, Father Jim Achadinha, pastor of the Catholic communities of Gloucester and Rockport, described Madu’s passing as a “devastating loss.”
He said the late priest served Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish with “true joy, kindness and generosity,” leaving behind a legacy of faith and selfless service.
Authorities have not released the official cause of death. A spokesperson for the Essex County District Attorney’s Office said foul play is not suspected, while an autopsy is expected to determine the cause of death.
NBC News, citing a person familiar with the matter, reported that Madu died by suicide. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death.
Archbishop Richard Henning of the Archdiocese of Boston extended condolences to Madu’s family, fellow priests, friends in Nigeria and the many faithful he served in Cape Ann and at Salem Hospital.