Gloucester, Rockport MA priest must return to Nigeria over US visa – NBC Boston

Parishioners at a Massachusetts church say they are devastated — and worried — after learning their priest is being forced to leave the country due to immigration issues.

The emotional announcement came during Mass on Sunday, catching many in the congregation off guard.

“You could see the look of fear in this man’s eyes,” said Arlene Lesch, a longtime member of Holy Family Parish in Gloucester.

Lesch says the priest, who parishioners know as “Father Ben,” told the congregation he is being sent back to Nigeria because of immigration challenges.

Community still processing sudden departure

Members of Holy Family Parish are now trying to process how someone they’ve seen every week for the past four years could suddenly be forced to leave.

“I’m just really worried for Father Ben,” said parishioner Nicole Altieri. “I know that it’s not safe in Nigeria for Catholic priests right now.”

NBC10 Boston is not identifying or showing the priest due to privacy concerns, but parishioners describe him as a constant presence in their community.

Lesch, who has been part of the church for nearly 40 years, says the news has shaken the congregation.

“It just broke everybody’s heart watching this and experiencing it,” she said.

A leader in the church and the community

According to church leaders, the priest has been serving at St. Ann’s and Our Lady of Good Voyage in Gloucester as well as St. Joachim’s in Rockport while also working as a chaplain at Salem Hospital, supporting patients and families during some of their most difficult moments.

“I just have not been able to think of anything since because he’s been such an asset,” Lesch added.

Local leaders say his departure would come at a time when there is already a shortage of clergy.

“There’s a shortage of priests not just in the Archdiocese of Boston, but also across the country,” said Paul Murphy, chairman of the Rockport Select Board.

Visa expiring, uncertainty ahead

The Archdiocese of Boston confirms the priest’s visa is set to expire next month, and there is currently no path to extend it under existing U.S. policy.

Murphy says the uncertainty surrounding the situation is adding to the community’s concern.

“It’s heartbreaking to know he may be in harm’s way. We don’t know the whole situation. That’s adding to the angst,” he said. “Hopefully the Archdiocese will come out with a statement.”

Calls for action

NBC10 Boston reached out to several members of Massachusetts’ congressional delegation, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Congressman Seth Moulton, to ask whether anything can be done at the federal level, but has not yet heard back.