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Priest's Final Words: 'Miss the Home I Found Away From Home'
4 Jul
Summary
- Priest celebrated nearly 25 years of service before his passing.
- He ministered in Gloucester, Rockport, and at Salem Hospital.
- He expressed deep affection for his adopted communities.
The communities of Rockport and Gloucester are grieving the loss of Reverend Benjamin Nadu, a cherished priest who was scheduled to depart for Nigeria later this month as his visa neared expiration. Reverend Nadu, aged 54, was nearing his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. He served diligently as a chaplain at Salem Hospital and ministered across numerous churches throughout the North Shore.
Archbishop Richard G. Henning extended prayers and condolences to Nadu's family and friends in Nigeria, as well as to the many people he ministered to on Cape Ann and at Salem Hospital. Father Jim Achadinha, pastor of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, shared his heartbreak and invited parishioners to pray for Father Ben's soul and his grieving loved ones worldwide.
Nadu was expected to leave by the end of July but was recalled earlier by his Bishop in the Diocese of Abakaliki. In a poignant message shared previously, Nadu conveyed his sadness at leaving but also his enduring joy for his time serving Gloucester and Rockport. He described the area as a 'home I found away from home' and expressed deep fondness for the seaside, where he found peace and serenity.
