truthseekersjournal
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 10, 2025
On June 10, 1854, James Augustine Healy was ordained as a Catholic priest in Paris. Precisely 150 years ago, he became the first known Black Catholic bishop in the United States.
Born into slavery in Jones County, Georgia, on April 6, 1830, Healy was the son of Irish immigrant Michael Healy and Mary Eliza Smith, a mixed-race enslaved woman. Under Georgia law, the Healy children were considered enslaved from birth. Despite their father’s wealth, they were denied the opportunity to receive an education in the South.
To change that, Michael Healy sent James and his siblings north. James began his education at a Quaker school on Long Island, then continued his studies in New Jersey.
The family’s lives changed forever when Bishop John Fitzpatrick of Boston helped place the boys at the newly founded College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.
At Holy Cross, James thrived. He was named valedictorian of the first graduating class in 1849. He went on to earn a master’s degree and later studied for the priesthood in Montreal and Paris. On June 10, 1854, he was ordained at the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
Healy returned to Boston, where his talents and faith earned him several leadership roles. He served as assistant pastor, chancellor, and rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. He helped start homes for orphans and destitute children and stood up for the Catholic Church in debates over taxes and civil service.
In 1875, Pope Pius IX appointed Healy as Bishop of Portland, Maine. For the next 25 years, he led the diocese, which included all of Maine and New Hampshire. During his time as bishop, Healy oversaw the creation of 60 new churches, 68 missions, 18 convents, and 18 schools. The Catholic population nearly doubled under his leadership.
Healy became known as “the children’s bishop” for his deep concern for orphans, widows, and the poor. He helped found homes for girls and children affected by the Civil War. He even bought part of an island to use as a vacation spot for orphans, where he often visited and played with the youngest ones.
Healy was also a strong voice in national Catholic matters. He attended the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore and helped launch the Catholic University of America. Though he was quietly proud of his Black heritage, he did not promote it publicly. He often faced discrimination, especially in the South, but continued to serve with humility and grace.
Despite illness, Healy celebrated 25 years as bishop in 1900. He died later that year on August 5. He had asked not to be buried in the cathedral crypt. Instead, he was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in South Portland under a simple Celtic cross.
Holy Cross, Healy’s alma mater, has honored his legacy with the Bishop Healy Committee, which supports diversity and inclusion. The Archdiocese of Boston also created an award in his name to honor dedicated Black parishioners.
James A. Healy’s life was a story of faith, perseverance, and quiet strength. Though born into slavery, he rose to one of the highest roles in the Catholic Church. He worked tirelessly for the poor, stood firm in his convictions, and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire 150 years later.
Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!
Educated: A Memoir
22% Off
Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing)
12% Off
Intex 64417ED 22in Queen Dura-Beam Comfort Plush High-Rise Inflatable Air Mattress with Built in Pump for Travel and Camping, 600lb Weight Capacity
12% Off
As a Black Catholic this is a very interesting story. A story of which I was previously unaware. This highlights the need to emphasize the many contributions Black Americans have made to this country and the world.
I do, however, take issue with the fact that Bishop Healy was the first Black Bishop in the Catholic Church. His father was white and his mother was only half Black, which made him 3/4 White. Why is he considered Black when in actuality he was predominantly White. Only in this country is someone considered Black if they have one drop of Black blood in them. Just like people are trying to claim that Pope Leo is Black. He is not! Yes, both Bishop Healy and Pope Leo are of mixed heritage but only a fraction of their heritage is Black.
I grew up with a friend whose father said that he was black but when you saw him everyone assumed that he was white. In fact when my friend who had blond hair and blue eyes went to college, where no one knew him, he was often mistaken for white by his classmates. One day my friend said that he was walking to get lunch at the student hall with a group of white students. He was horrified when the conversation turned into how they felt about niggers! My point is that why do we call people black in this country when in reality they are not!