Bishop Healy Award
Boston College Montserrat Coalition Director Michael Davidson, S.J., has received the Bishop James Augustine Healy Award, presented by the Archdiocese of Boston to individuals “whose faithful leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Black Catholic community in the archdiocese and beyond.”
Fr. Davidson received the award at the 32nd annual Bishop Healy Award Dinner held at Boston College High School last month. Others honored at the event included Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, O.F.M., Cap, who received the 2025 Robert L. Ruffin Award, and Maître Jean-Louis Daniel, winner of the Meyer J. Chambers Award.
Since arriving at the University in 2012, Fr. Davidson has brought his charisma, joyful spirit, and pastoral touch to several roles, endearing him to students across the University. After serving as a campus minister and then director of the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center, in 2023 he was appointed to head the Montserrat Coalition in the Division of Mission and Ministry. The coalition’s mission is to support students with the most significant financial need on campus by providing access to retreats, sporting and theater events, service programs, and independent study, while also aiding in their academic, social, and spiritual formation.
A member of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesuits, Fr. Davidson has led numerous Boston College service trips to his native Jamaica through the Jamaica Magis Program, as well as Magis Civil Rights immersion trips to the southern United States. He also teaches the first-year course Courage to Know. A resident minister of St. Thomas More Hall, Fr. Davidson is widely hailed as an accomplished chef—particularly of Jamaican cuisine—and often hosts students and colleagues for meals.
“I’ve always prided myself on being present to others, not perfect,” said Fr. Davidson in a recent interview. “Through my formation in the Society of Jesus, I’ve learned what it means to be on the side of those who are marginalized. It’s something I’m passionate about. It’s something that I would love to spend the rest of my life doing. So, this award is not meant to elevate me. It is to strengthen those who will come behind me to do this work.”
Fr. Davidson described his role at the Montserrat Coalition as an “engine to my vocation” and cherishes the constant opportunity to “be a face of love” for students. He explained that he seeks to be someone who says, “Listen, you matter. We want you to succeed. We want to make sure that you truly, at the end of the day, become a Jesuit graduate who’s competent, compassionate, and loving.”
Colleagues and students expressed gratitude for Fr. Davidson’s presence in their lives.
“Fr. Michael has certainly made a lasting impact on the Black, Catholic community,” said Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences senior Nelson Teixeira da Pedra. “He is keenly aware of the unique experience and challenges of Black students at our Jesuit university. He has been my closest mentor and source of guidance for my entire time at Boston College.”
Morrissey College sophomore Keira Boxell said, “Fr. Michael has been my rock at BC, guiding me through difficult decisions and encouraging me to reach my fullest potential, always making sure that I have my sights set on the future.”
Messina College Kraft Family Dean Erick Berrelleza, S.J., cited the joy that defines Fr. Davidson’s interactions with others, recalling the first time the two of them walked around campus and he “witnessed [Fr. Michael’s] genuine care for students and the complete joy of his interactions. If you ever need a reason to smile, go on a walk with him!
“I’m honored to be his Jesuit brother and to see him living out his Jesuit vocation with such conviction at BC.”
This ability to express genuine care for students has also resonated with Morrissey College senior Skyla DeSimone. “Fr. Michael has a heart larger than most can comprehend. He approaches every conversation and interaction with love and his utmost attention. There are not many individuals who make you feel as special, seen, and accepted the way Fr. Michael does.”
James Hayes, S.J., a member of the Boston College Jesuit Community and a mentor and friend of Fr. Davidson, described him as “a charismatic Jesuit who connects with people with ease and stirs people to action for justice. [This award] is well deserved.”
Reflecting on the Healy Award, Fr. Davidson thanked his family and many of his colleagues and fellow Jesuits for their support and mentorship, including Fr. Hayes, as well as former Vice President for University Mission and Ministry and University President-designate John Butler, S.J.; Fr. Tony Penna, special assistant to the Vice President for University Mission and Ministry; BC Jesuit Community Superior Claudio M. Burgaleta, S.J.; Kenneth David Oswin Richards, archbishop of Kingston, Jamaica; childhood friend Janice Mills, who is the liaison for the Jamaica Magis trip; and Sandra Duhaney, his fifth-grade teacher.
The award “honors a legacy of resilience and leadership,” wrote Fr. Davidson on social media, “and I am humbled to be connected to that legacy. May we continue to do this work together, with love, hope, and a commitment to justice.”
Fr. Davidson formerly served as dean of students at St. George’s College in Kingston and is a trustee of Fordham University and Boston College High School, as well as Campion College and Holy Family Primary and Infant School in Kingston.