Madu, who had been preparing to leave the United States due to his expired religious worker visa, passed away on a Thursday after years of service as a hospital chaplain and parish priest in Massachusetts. Father Jim Achadinha, pastor of the Catholic communities of Gloucester and Rockport, described Madu’s death as a “devastating loss,” commending his joyful and generous service to Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish.
The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, although foul play is not suspected, according to a spokesperson for the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. NBC News reported that a source indicated the priest may have died by suicide. Archbishop Richard Henning of the Archdiocese of Boston extended condolences to Madu’s grieving family, colleagues, and the many individuals he ministered to, noting the impact he had on the community in Cape Ann and at Salem Hospital.
Since 2021, Madu primarily served as a chaplain at Salem Hospital while also ministering at St. Ann’s church and Our Lady of Good Voyage in Gloucester, as well as St. Joachim’s in Rockport. His planned return to Nigeria was particularly poignant, as his R-1 religious worker visa was set to expire on July 29. The Diocese instructed him to leave by early July, and U.S. immigration regulations necessitated that he depart before being able to apply for a visa renewal.
His departure was met with sadness among parishioners, many of whom referred to him affectionately as “Father Ben.” In a farewell message on the parish website last month, Madu expressed his disappointment about leaving the United States, stating, “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. My heart is broken, yet my joy remains.” He expressed hope for a return to continue his ministry and highlighted the strong connection he felt with the community he served. The Diocese of Abakaliki has yet to issue a public statement regarding his death.
