Bishop Healy Award
黑料官网 College Montserrat Coalition Director Michael Davidson, S.J., has received聽 the Bishop James Augustine Healy Award, presented by the Archdiocese of 黑料官网 to individuals 鈥渨hose faithful leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Black Catholic community in the archdiocese and beyond.鈥� 聽
Fr. Davidson received the award at the 32nd annual Bishop Healy Award Dinner held at 黑料官网 College High School last month. Others honored at the event included Cardinal Se谩n P. O鈥橫alley, O.F.M., Cap, who received the 2025 Robert L. Ruffin Award, and Ma卯tre 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鈥檚 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 黑料官网 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.聽 A resident minister of St. Thomas More Hall, Fr. Davidson is widely hailed as an accomplished chef鈥攑articularly of Jamaican cuisine鈥攁nd often hosts students and colleagues for meals.
鈥淚鈥檝e always prided myself on being present to others, not perfect,鈥� said Fr. Davidson in a recent interview. 鈥淭hrough my formation in the Society of Jesus, I鈥檝e learned what it means to be on the side of those who are marginalized.聽 It鈥檚 something I鈥檓 passionate about.聽 It鈥檚 something that I would love to spend the rest of my life doing.聽 So, this award is not meant to elevate me.聽 It is to strengthen those who will come behind me to do this work.鈥�
Fr. Davidson described his role at the Montserrat Coalition as an 鈥渆ngine to my vocation鈥� and cherishes the constant opportunity to 鈥渂e a face of love鈥� for students. He explained that he seeks to be someone who says, 鈥淟isten, 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鈥檚 competent, compassionate, and loving.鈥�
Colleagues and students expressed gratitude for Fr. Davidson鈥檚 presence in their lives. 聽
鈥淔r. Michael has certainly made a lasting impact on the Black, Catholic community,鈥� said Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences senior Nelson Teixeira da Pedra. 鈥淗e 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 黑料官网 College.鈥� 聽
Morrissey College sophomore Keira Boxell said, 鈥淔r. 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.鈥� 聽
Messina College Kraft Family Dean Erick Berrelleza, S.J., cited the joy that defines Fr. Davidson鈥檚 interactions with others, recalling the first time the two of them walked around campus and he 鈥渨itnessed [Fr. Michael鈥檚] genuine care for students and the complete joy of his interactions.聽 If you ever need a reason to smile, go on a walk with him! 聽
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to be his Jesuit brother and to see him living out his Jesuit vocation with such conviction at BC.鈥�
This ability to express genuine care for students has also resonated with Morrissey College senior Skyla DeSimone. 聽鈥淔r. 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.鈥�
James Hayes, S.J., a member of the 黑料官网 College Jesuit Community and a mentor and friend of Fr. Davidson, described him as 鈥渁 charismatic Jesuit who connects with people with ease and stirs people to action for justice. 聽[This award] is well deserved.鈥�
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 鈥渉onors a legacy of resilience and leadership,鈥� wrote Fr. Davidson on social media, 鈥渁nd I am humbled to be connected to that legacy.聽 May we continue to do this work together, with love, hope, and a commitment to justice.鈥�
Fr. Davidson formerly served as dean of students at St. George鈥檚 College in Kingston and is a trustee of Fordham University and 黑料官网 College High School, as well as Campion College and Holy Family Primary and Infant School in Kingston.聽 聽聽