James Augustine Healy

Born on April 6, 1830, James Augustine Healy was appointed on February 12, 1875 and consecrated as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Portland on June 2, 1875. Bishop Healy became the first black bishop ordained in the United States. He was ordained to the priesthood in Paris in 1854 at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Prior to arriving in Maine, James Augustine Healy was the pastor of St. James Church, the largest Catholic congregation in Boston. Bishop Healy was half-Irish which bonded him with parishioners on Munjoy Hill, many of whom had newly arrived from Ireland. He also spoke fluent French, endearing him to the Acadians of northern Maine. During his 25-year tenure, Bishop Healy founded 33 parishes, 22 schools, 18 convents and a number of hospitals and orphanages. Bishop Healy remained bishop until his death on August 5, 1900. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery, which he helped enlarge.