SOUTH BOSTON, Mass. — Fergus Healey, OFM, 85, a professed Franciscan friar for 63 years and a priest for 59, died May 24 at Marion Manor.
A wake was held May 30 at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, where Fergus had lived for more than a quarter century. Emeric Meier, OFM, presided and preached the eulogy at the wake service. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 31 at St. Anthony Shrine. Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, was principal celebrant and Philip O’Shea, OFM, gave the homily. Burial followed at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury, Mass.
Early Years
Born Oct. 14, 1927 to John and Nora Healey, Fergus was baptized John Joseph on Oct. 23 at St. Raphael’s Church in West Medford, Mass. He graduated from Medford High School in 1945 and St. Joseph Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., in 1948.
On Aug. 12, 1948, he was received into the Order at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J. Receiving the religious name Fergus, he professed his first vows there one year later.
He continued his studies at St. Stephen Friary in Croghan, N.Y., and St. Anthony Friary in Butler, N.J., receiving his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Bonaventure University in 1951. He pursued theological studies at Holy Name College in Washington, where he professed final vows in September 1952. He was ordained a priest two years later at Mount St. Sepulchre Friary Church in Washington.
Ministry
After completing theological studies in 1955, Fergus spent a pastoral internship year at St. Anthony Shrine. From 1957 to 1958, he was a parochial vicar at Holy Cross Parish in the Bronx, N.Y. For the next nine years he served as parochial vicar at St. Francis Chapel, Providence, R.I., before he returned to Holy Cross Parish, where he served as guardian until 1973. During that time, he earned a master’s degree in education from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y.
Fergus was then assigned parochial associate at St. Anthony Shrine until 1977. He returned to St. Francis Chapel as guardian and rector, serving until 1985. Fergus then returned to St. Anthony Shrine as pastoral associate and confessor.
Fergus was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Mary Healey, Constance Torregrosa and her husband Manuel, and brothers William David and Richard. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Healey, as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Patricia Healey, 781 Townsend Road, West Groton MA 01450.
Memorial donations may be sent to St. Anthony Shrine using the ministry’s website.
— Compiled by Theresa Bartha