John Huston Ricard facts for kids

Styles of John Huston Ricard
Reference style	His Excellency The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Excellency
Religious style	Bishop

John Huston Ricard (born February 29, 1940) is an American Catholic leader. He served as the Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee from 1997 to 2011. Before that, he was an assistant bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore from 1984 to 1997.

Bishop Ricard was chosen as the main leader, called the superior general, of the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 2019. He was chosen again for this role in 2023.

Biography

Early Life and Education

John Ricard was born on February 29, 1940, in New Roads, Louisiana. His family has Creole roots. After finishing high school in New Orleans in 1958, he joined a religious group called the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites).

He studied at several schools, including Epiphany Apostolic College and St. Joseph's Seminary. He later earned a master's degree from Tulane University and a doctorate from Catholic University of America.

Priestly Ministry

On May 25, 1968, John Ricard became a priest for the Josephites. His first job was as an assistant pastor at a church in New Orleans.

Later, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as a pastor at different churches. He also taught at the National Catholic School of Social Service. In 1983, he earned his doctorate degree.

Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore

On May 25, 1984, Pope John Paul II chose Ricard to be an auxiliary bishop (a helper bishop) for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He officially became a bishop on July 2, 1984.

In 1987, Bishop Ricard played a key role in bringing back the Colored Catholic Congress movement. He helped start the National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC) and served as its president until 2019. This group works to support Black Catholics.

Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee

On January 20, 1997, Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Ricard as the main Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee. He began his new role on March 13, 1997.

During his time as bishop, Ricard was involved in many important activities. He led Catholic Relief Services, a group that helps people in need around the world. He also worked with different committees of the USCCB.

In December 2009, Bishop Ricard had a stroke. He received medical care at a hospital in Pensacola.

Retirement

Because of his health, Bishop Ricard decided to step down as bishop. He sent his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI in February 2011. The Pope accepted his resignation on March 11, 2011.

Josephite Administration

In June 2011, Bishop Ricard became the leader of St. Joseph's Seminary, where he had once studied.

In June 2019, he was elected as the superior general of the Josephites. This means he became the main leader of the entire Josephite religious community. In 2023, he was reelected to this important position.

Personal Life

Bishop Ricard is related to Archbishop Shelton Fabre of Louisville. They are cousins and both come from New Roads, Louisiana.

See also

Episcopal Succession