William J. Leonard, S.J.
Prepared by Fr. John Gallen, S.J.
William Leonard, priest of the Society of Jesus, died February 11, 2000, at 91 years of age. Long career teaching theology at Boston College where he was an ecumenical trail blazer, including Protestant and Jewish professors on faculty, and women as well which was uncommon in those early days.
Like many fellow liturgical pioneers, he was captivated by theology of Mystical Body which undergirded role of assembly in liturgy.
Retiring from teaching, he founded the Liturgy and Life collection at BC library, thousands of artifacts and 25,000 books which constitute one of world's most complete record of Catholic life in 20th century. In 1993 he published his autobiography, The Letter Carrier, an image drawn from his adolescent job and served as metaphor for a life devoted to bringing the Good News.