John Huston Ricard (September 28, 1940 – March 21, 2023) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. A member of the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites), he served as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in Florida from 1997 until his retirement in 2011. Prior to that, he was an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore from 1984 to 1997.
Early Life and Education
John Huston Ricard was born on September 28, 1940, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended St. Augustine High School in New Orleans before entering St. Joseph's Seminary in Washington, D.C. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont, and a Master of Arts in religious education from Fordham University in New York. He later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in social work from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Priesthood
Ricard was ordained a priest for the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites) on May 25, 1968. His early priestly assignments included serving in various parishes and as a social worker. He was particularly involved in addressing social justice issues and community development, often focusing on inner-city ministries.
Episcopacy
Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore
On May 25, 1984, Pope John Paul II appointed Ricard as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Titular Bishop of Rultu. He received his episcopal consecration on February 22, 1984, from Archbishop William D. Borders, with Bishops Thomas J. Murphy and Eugene A. Marino serving as co-consecrators. As an auxiliary bishop, Ricard oversaw various ministries and initiatives within the archdiocese, known for his work in urban ministry and advocacy for the poor.
Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee
On January 21, 1997, Ricard was appointed by Pope John Paul II as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. He was installed on March 13, 1997. During his tenure, Bishop Ricard focused on strengthening Catholic education, promoting social justice, and fostering growth within the diocese. He was particularly instrumental in guiding the diocese through periods of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, providing pastoral care and leading recovery efforts.
Other Roles and Legacy
Beyond his diocesan duties, Bishop Ricard was widely recognized for his national and international contributions. He served as the Chairman of the Committee on International Policy for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), where he was a prominent voice on issues of peace, justice, and human rights globally. He was also a long-serving board member and eventually President of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. His work with CRS took him to numerous countries, particularly in Africa, where he advocated for the poor and vulnerable and oversaw significant development and relief programs.
Ricard retired as Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee on March 11, 2011, at the age of 70, citing health reasons. He passed away on March 21, 2023, in Catonsville, Maryland, at the age of 82. He is remembered for his dedication to the Church, his commitment to social justice, and his tireless advocacy for the marginalized.