Father Leo's vision, knowledge and wisdom formed the basis for the Institute for Christian Ministries' work. Ordained a Dominican priest in 1954, he taught for seven years in the Department of Philosophy at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. Six years at The Menninger Foundation (from 1963 to 1969) strongly influenced Father Leo's view of—and practice of—pastoral care. After leaving The Menninger Foundation he spent five years as co-director of the Dominican Center for Pastoral Training in San Francisco. Its mission was to train priests and religious in pastoral care.

While teaching in San Francisco, Father Leo became active in the charismatic renewal movement. Ultimately he became liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, first on behalf of the Archbishop of San Francisco, then on behalf of the Archbishop of Seattle. The charismatic renewal exposed Father Leo to many sincere Christians practicing healing ministry in a variety of ways. Some engaged in gentle, loving ministry that brought healing to hurting people. Others, however, made mistakes that left people in worse condition than before. These experiences convinced Father Leo that people needed spiritual maturity and training in order to be effective ministers of religious healing.

In addition to founding ICM, Father Leo co-authored two books with writer Jan Alkire: Healing as a Parish Ministry in 1992 and Healing Ministry: A Practical Guide in 1994.

On November 18, 1997, Father Leo went home to the Lord after a long illness. Whenever we at ICM think about our wise, caring friend who devoted his life to serving God and humanity, these words from Scripture come to mind:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim a year of favor from the Lord. (Lk 4:18, NJB).

Click to go to an interview with Father Leo