Catholic Priest from Nigeria in Massachusetts Dies at 54 After Facing Deportation Order
Rev. Benjamin Okwy Madu, known as Father Ben, died unexpectedly on July 2 at age 54. He served Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish in Massachusetts for over four years and ministered as a chaplain at Salem Hospital. Father Ben had dedicated nearly 25 years to the priesthood. His visa was set to expire this month, and his bishop ordered him to return to Nigeria early. Local parishioners and the Archdiocese of Boston petitioned to keep him in the United States but were unable to overturn the deportation order. In his farewell message, Father Ben wrote that his heart was broken at leaving a community he called his home away from home. The Catholic community in Gloucester & Rockport celebrated a Mass in his honor on July 4 and continues to pray for his soul and his grieving family.
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