Parishioners at Holy Family Parish in Gloucester, Massachusetts, are reeling after learning their priest, known as Father Ben, must leave the U.S. due to immigration challenges. The news was announced during Mass on Sunday, catching many in the congregation off guard.
Community Impact
Members of Holy Family Parish are trying to process how someone they’ve seen every week for the past four years could suddenly be forced to leave. Father Ben has been serving at St. Ann’s and Our Lady of Good Voyage in Gloucester as well as St. Joachim’s in Rockport, and has also worked as a chaplain at Salem Hospital.
According to church leaders, Father Ben’s visa is set to expire next month, and there is currently no path to extend it under existing U.S. policy. Local leaders say his departure would come at a time when there is already a shortage of clergy in the Archdiocese of Boston.
Parishioners are worried about Father Ben’s safety, as Catholic priests are currently facing dangers in Nigeria, his home country. The community is coming together to support Father Ben during this difficult time.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
