Father Jim Healy, a Holy Ghost Father, was ordained in 1962 and died after 35 years of ministry on January 10, 1997. A gifted liturgist, he moved many to tears for his strident preaching that God is love and mercy. He motivated all who listened to take action and to make a difference in our world, both in our local community and in the global setting. An advocate of the poor, outcast, and downtrodden, Fr. Healy’s message was that each of us is called to use our talents and treasures, whatever they may be, to change the lives of our sisters and brothers. Both to give food needed to keep them alive and to change the very structures of our society that keep them hungry.

Not afraid of controversial topics, he fought for affordable housing in his local neighborhood, equality for women, affordable early childhood learning programs, female altar servers, and changes in foreign policy. He founded the Washington Office on Haiti and was active with the Central American Resource Center.

In the words of his mother, Elizabeth, "God gave him the gift of a mouth." Luckily, while pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia from 1984 until 1995, a few parishioners, like his mother, also recognized Fr. Healy's gift and had the foresight to record his homilies.

Each week a homily, corresponding with the current liturgical calendar, will be made available in a podcast. Subscribe and you will be notified by email when the week's podcast is available.

Hear his words. Feel God’s presence in your life. Make a difference in the lives of others.