By Ghazali Ibrahim
A Nigerian Catholic priest serving in the United States has died in Massachusetts after preparing to return to Nigeria following the expiration of his religious worker visa, sparking grief among parishioners and renewed attention to immigration rules affecting foreign clergy.
The priest, Rev. Benjamin Okwy Madu, 54, of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, died on July 2 after several years of ministry in Massachusetts, where he served as a hospital chaplain at Salem Hospital and ministered to Catholic communities in Gloucester, Rockport and surrounding areas.
Church officials said Madu had been preparing to leave the United States before the expiration of his R-1 religious worker visa on July 29.
His home diocese had instructed him to return to Nigeria earlier in the month so he could resume a new pastoral assignment scheduled to begin in August.
In a farewell message published shortly before his death, Madu expressed sadness over his departure, saying it was not his desire to leave the United States but that circumstances beyond his control had brought his ministry there to an end.
He also expressed hope of returning to continue serving the community in the future.
Archbishop Richard Henning of the Archdiocese of Boston described Madu’s death as a profound loss and extended condolences to his family, fellow priests and the many faithful whose lives he touched during his ministry in Massachusetts.
Parishioners also paid tribute to the late cleric, recalling his compassion, generosity and commitment to caring for patients and members of the local Catholic community.
Authorities in Massachusetts said there were no indications of foul play and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing.
Madu, who was ordained a Catholic priest nearly 25 years ago, had become a beloved figure among worshippers in Cape Ann, many of whom had appealed for him to remain in the United States after learning that immigration regulations required him to return to Nigeria before seeking a visa renewal.
His death has prompted renewed discussion about the impact of U.S. immigration policies on foreign-born religious workers serving American congregations.
