Leonard Olivier facts for kids
Leonard James Olivier (born October 12, 1923 – died November 19, 2014) was an important African-American Catholic bishop. He was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He dedicated his life to serving the Catholic Church and helping communities.
A Life of Service
Becoming a Priest
In 1951, Leonard Olivier became a priest for the Society of the Divine Word. This special event happened in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. As a priest, he promised to serve God and the Church.
For many years, from 1952 to 1973, he helped lead young men studying to become priests. He was an Assistant Dean and Dean of Seminarians. He also served as a rector, which is like a leader, for a religious community.
Later, from 1974 to 1982, he helped organize studies for all Divine Word Seminaries in the USA. He was also the rector at the Divine Word Seminary in Epworth, Iowa. His first church as a pastor was St. Anthony's in Lafayette, Louisiana.
In Louisiana, he also took on a special role. He worked part-time helping Black Catholics in the Diocese of Lafayette. By 1986, this became his full-time job.
Becoming a Bishop
On November 7, 1988, something very important happened. Pope John Paul II chose him to be an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington. An Auxiliary Bishop helps the main bishop lead a large area.
Bishop Olivier was officially made a bishop on December 20, 1988. He was responsible for many different areas in and around Washington, D.C. This included parts of the District of Columbia and Prince George's, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's Counties.
He also worked on many important committees. He helped with youth programs for African American Catholic Bishops. He also worked on plans for people to become priests and on changes to marriage ceremonies. He was a member of several groups that supported Black Catholics and clergy.
Bishop Olivier passed away on November 19, 2014.
Personal Interests
Bishop Olivier was also a member of several special groups. These included the Fourth Degree Knights of Peter Claver, the Knight of St. John, and the Knights of Columbus. These groups are known for their charitable work and community service.
