Roman Catholic Bishop and Superior General
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Key moments and achievements from John Ricard's life.
John was born
· Washington, D.C., United States
Ordination
Ricard was ordained to the priesthood for the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart on May 25, 1968. This began his lifelong commitment to the Josephite mission of serving the African American community. During his early years, he served as a pastor for several prominent parishes in Washington, D.C., including Holy Redeemer and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Ordination
Ricard was ordained to the priesthood for the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart on May 25, 1968. This began his lifelong commitment to the Josephite mission of serving the African American community. During his early years, he served as a pastor for several prominent parishes in Washington, D.C., including Holy Redeemer and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Appointment
On May 25, 1984, Ricard was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore. This appointment was historic as he became the first African American bishop to serve in that archdiocese. His leadership in Baltimore provided a national platform for his advocacy on behalf of Black Catholics and the broader struggle for civil rights.
Appointment
On May 25, 1984, Ricard was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore. This appointment was historic as he became the first African American bishop to serve in that archdiocese. His leadership in Baltimore provided a national platform for his advocacy on behalf of Black Catholics and the broader struggle for civil rights.
Election
Ricard began his tenure as the President of the National Black Catholic Congress in 1987. He would go on to lead the organization for over 30 years, shaping the voice of the Black Catholic community in the United States. Under his leadership, the Congress emphasized that justice was a fundamental Gospel mandate rather than a political preference.
Election
Ricard began his tenure as the President of the National Black Catholic Congress in 1987. He would go on to lead the organization for over 30 years, shaping the voice of the Black Catholic community in the United States. Under his leadership, the Congress emphasized that justice was a fundamental Gospel mandate rather than a political preference.
Appointment
Pope John Paul II appointed Ricard as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee on January 20, 1997. During his time in Florida, he continued his work with the USCCB and Catholic Relief Services, focusing on international policy and social development. He served the diocese faithfully until his retirement was necessitated by health concerns in 2011.
Appointment
Pope John Paul II appointed Ricard as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee on January 20, 1997. During his time in Florida, he continued his work with the USCCB and Catholic Relief Services, focusing on international policy and social development. He served the diocese faithfully until his retirement was necessitated by health concerns in 2011.
Election
In June 2019, Ricard was elected as the Superior General of the Josephites at nearly 80 years of age. This election marked a significant second act in his career, returning him to the leadership of the society he joined as a young man. He remained in this position until his death in 2026, continuing to advocate for dignity and respect for all people.
Election
In June 2019, Ricard was elected as the Superior General of the Josephites at nearly 80 years of age. This election marked a significant second act in his career, returning him to the leadership of the society he joined as a young man. He remained in this position until his death in 2026, continuing to advocate for dignity and respect for all people.
John Ricard passed away
