Bishop John Ricard’s death is a profound loss for our local Church and for the entire Catholic community in the United States. As the first Black bishop in the history of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, he served this archdiocese with grace, humility and a joyful spirit that made him beloved by all who encountered him. Bishop Ricard was deeply committed to the dignity of every human life, and he was unafraid to speak out against racism and injustice wherever he saw them. He lived out the charism of the Josephites – showing a prophetic vision for the inclusion of Black Catholics in the life of the Church and an unwavering commitment to justice – right up to his last days. May his soul rest in peace.
