PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is mourning the passing of its fourth bishop. Bishop John H. Ricard was 86 years old when he died Wednesday at St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Bishop Ricard was named to the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in 1997 by Pope St. John Paul II. A statement from the diocese says he faithfully served Northwest Florida, overseeing the Catholic mission and churches between Tallahassee and Pensacola, from 1997 until his retirement in 2011.
After his retirement, Bishop Ricard returned to the Josephite community residing at St. Joseph Seminary in the nation’s capital. He served as their religious superior following his election in 2019.
Bishop Ricard will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Pensacola. Funeral arrangements are still pending.
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