A “Special Morning of Prayer” will be offered this weekend for the Rev. Benjamin Okwy Madu, a priest on Cape Ann who was to return to his homeland in Nigeria, a move necessary due to his expiring visa, but who died suddenly July 2.
Questions continue to be asked about the circumstances of Madu’s death.
Michael Keefe-Feldman, spokesperson for the office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, said Tuesday a formal determination of the cause of Madu’s death has not been made.
“The death remains under investigation,” Keefe-Feldman said. “As such, we do not have additional information available at this time.”
While some news outlets have previously reported Madu died by suicide, the Times has not independently confirmed such reports.
Meanwhile, members of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, the collaborative of the Cape Ann parishes Holy Family and Our Lady of Good Voyage, continue to mourn the 54-year-old priest.
The Rev. James Achadinha, pastor of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, said a “Special Morning of Prayer” will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, at Our Lady of Good Voyage, 142 Prospect St. in Gloucester, beginning with a “Mass for the People” starting at 9 a.m.
“After Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, we will offer Morning Prayer from the Office of the Dead in memory of Father Ben,” Achadinha said. “We will then enter into a period of silent adoration during which all are encouraged to spend a few moments in prayer for Father Ben and for all those we have loved and lost during the past year.”
The morning will conclude at 11:30 a.m. with the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Madu, who was to celebrate his 25th anniversary as a priest on July 7, was working in the United States on his second R-1 religious worker visa, which was to expire July 29.
He was initially scheduled to depart for Nigeria at the end of July, but was instructed by his bishop in the Dioceses of Abakaliki to return sooner since his visa would not be eligible for renewal due to the current federal policy suspending processing of nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria.
The Archdiocese of Boston has requested the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport delay the celebration of Memorial Masses for Madu until after his funeral has been arranged by his bishop and family in Nigeria, Achadinha said Wednesday.
“Sometime soon, my hope is that we will be able to announce a schedule of Memorial Masses for Father Ben at all of our parish churches,” he said.
In a message to parishioners, Achadinha said he and other parish members “still do not know for sure how Father Ben died.”
“What we do know is what we feel: anger, sadness, disbelief and compassion for our dear friend’s family and friends around the world,” he said. “And what we do here when we grieve is to lean on each other. What we do here when we grieve is to gather in prayer and fellowship.”
Brother Patrick Garvey, an associate minister in the parish and Diocesan Hermit, said the community is longing for a sense of closure.
“Until we know for sure how Father Ben died, however, we cannot truly begin to honor his life or heal broken hearts,” he said. “During the past few weeks, it has been deeply consoling to learn that so many people came to know, love and admire Father Ben.”
Rockport Select Board Chair Paul Murphy, a member of the parish, said Madu’s death has been sobering.
“Cape Ann is united in grief following the sudden and heartbreaking passing of Father Ben Madu — a priest whose ministry, compassion and quiet strength touched countless lives across our region,” Murphy said. “His loss has been felt deeply not only within the Catholic community but across denominations, faith traditions and among the many individuals who came to know him through his work, his kindness and his steady presence in moments of need.”
Over the past few weeks, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport and others have gathered several times to honor Madu’s life, including during a morning Mass on July 4 at Our Lady of Good Voyage.
“The church was filled with parishioners, friends and community member who came together in prayer and remembrance,” Murphy said. “The service reflected the respect and affection so many held for Father Ben and the gratitude felt for his ministry on Cape Ann.”
A memorial service was also held last week for colleagues, staff and hospital employees at Salem Hospital, where Madu served as a chaplain.
Murphy, who attended both services, said each ceremony offered a “powerful testament to the breath of his impact.”
“At the hospital, the reflections shared by nurses, physicians and support staff spoke to his ability to bring calm and comfort in the most difficult of circumstances,” he said. “His ministry there was marked by compassion, humility and a deep commitment to supporting patients and families during moments of vulnerability.”
Murphy, who had reached out reached out to the states’ congressional delegation on Madu’s behalf, said he had not been notified about the circumstances behind Madu’s death. However, he said what has been unmistakable has been a widespread outpouring of sorrow across Cape Ann and beyond.
Madu’s ministry transcended boundaries, according to Murphy.
“Expressions of grief have come from Catholics, Protestants, members of other faith communities and individuals who simply knew Father Ben as a neighbor, a friend or a source of comfort,” Murphy said.
“He listened with patience, spoke with sincerity and carried himself with a gentleness that made people feel seen and supported. His presence was a steadying force – whether at a hospital bedside, in a parish office or in quiet conversations that left lasting impressions.”
Murphy said Madu’s legacy is one of service, humility and “deep humanity.”
“He embodied the values of compassion and care in every aspect of his work,” he said. “His absence will be felt across Cape Ann for a long time but the example he set will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him.”
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.