Father James J. Madden, M.M.

Father James J. Madden, M.M., a missioner to Peru, died Jan. 9 at Mission St. Teresa’s in Ossining. He was 80.

Following his ordination in 1960, he went to Peru, where he spent most of his priesthood. His first assignment was in a Lima shantytown. From 1965 to 1970 he was assigned to the Juli Prelature, serving in parishes in Chucuito, Acora and Pichacani. In 1971 he went to live with the Aymara indigenous ethnic community in the Andes.

In a five-year period he and two American nuns participated in a project serving the spiritual and physical needs of Peru’s native peoples. They published their findings in a book, “Where Your People Are,” co-written by the three participants.

He returned to the United States in 1984 and worked for the Maryknoll Society from its Cleveland and Chicago development houses.

He returned to Peru in 1988. In 1991, he came back to the United States to serve two terms as coordinator of the newly formed Maryknoll affiliate program.

He was sent back to Peru in 1998 and appointed second regional assistant of Maryknoll’s Andean Region. He also served as chaplain at the National University in the Diocese of Puno until 2010, when he returned to the United States.

Born in Indianapolis, Ind., he entered Maryknoll in 1949 and professed his final vows in 1959. He held a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Maryknoll Seminary, Glen Ellyn, Ill., and a bachelor’s in sacred theology and a master’s in religious education from Maryknoll Seminary, Ossining.

His brother, R. Michael, survives him. A Funeral Mass was offered Jan. 17 in Queen of Apostles Chapel. Burial was in Maryknoll Society Cemetery, Ossining.