Nigerian Priest Benjamin Madu Dies in Massachusetts

Rev. Benjamin Madu, a priest of the Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, died Thursday in Massachusetts, AllAfrica reported. He had served for several years as a hospital chaplain and parish priest in the state.

Madu worked primarily as a chaplain at Salem Hospital since 2021 and also ministered at St. Ann's and Our Lady of Good Voyage in Gloucester. Tuesday would have marked the 25th anniversary of his ordination at St.

Theresa Cathedral in Abakaliki. The priest had been due to return to Nigeria this month after his R-1 religious worker visa approached its July 29 expiration date. Church officials said his home diocese instructed him to return in early July instead of later in the month as originally planned.

Under immigration regulations, he was required to leave the country before applying to renew the visa. " Archbishop Richard Henning of the Archdiocese of Boston extended condolences to those mourning Madu. He said, "our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family, brother priests and friends in Nigeria as well as the many people Fr.

Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death. A spokesperson for the Essex County District Attorney's Office said foul play is not suspected. An autopsy was expected to be carried out while officials worked to contact Madu's relatives in Nigeria.

According to NBC News, a person familiar with the matter said the priest died by suicide. In a farewell message published on the parish website last month, Madu wrote: "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 assured parishioners he hoped to return one day to continue his ministry.