Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ Dies at Age 86

From the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee mourns the passing of our fourth bishop, Most Rev. John H. Ricard, SSJ, who died on Wednesday May 20, 2026 at the age of 86. 

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The Catholic Compass Special Edition | April 2011

In this special edition of the Catholic Compass, the faithful of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee expressed their gratitude and affection for the extraordinary ministry of Bishop John Ricard upon his retirement as episcopal ordinary of the diocese.

During his years of devoted leadership, Bishop Ricard guided the people of Northwest Florida with wisdom, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the Gospel. Through his advocacy for justice, his pastoral care for clergy and laity alike, and his dedication to strengthening Catholic education, evangelization, and vocations, he left a legacy that will continue to shape the life of the Church for generations to come.

Remembering Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ

By Therese Wilson Favors

Bishop Ricard, SSJ was the first Bishop that I came to know who invited lay folks to sit down with him and dream about a better and stronger future for Black Catholics. He taught and encouraged Black Catholics to be visionary people. He showed us the power of having a vision. Thus, The National Black Catholic Congress Movement took root promoting increased evangelization, and catechetical and justice oriented ministry among Black Catholics within the Church.

Bishop Ricard had a heart for the most vulnerable in society. He raised our consciousness to the violent nature of poverty which too often caused unjust attitudes and practices within the educational, legal and medical systems of today’s society. I once heard Bishop Ricard, SSJ say…God is calling Black Catholics to work until the work is done in vineyards that need to be plowed and do it with a Jesus’ heart. He made that Call to Justice under the scriptural reference from Isaiah 6:8 where the prophet Isaiah volunteers for God’s mission. The Lord asks Isaiah…Whom shall I send and Who will go to the people? Isaiah immediately responds, Here I Am Lord, Send Me”. That’s being visionary. That’s being prophetic at the same time as calling others to be prophetic as intentional followers of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Ricard, heard those same words from Isaiah when he addressed apartheid in South Africa and eventually witnessed polling efforts in South Africa that resulted in the election of Nelson Mandela. He wasn’t afraid to be a Prophetic Leader.

Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power

By Isabella Piro | Vatican News

Marking the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum, Pope Leo XIV releases his first encyclical, entitled ‘Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.’ He appeals for the safeguarding of humanity, promotion of truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace.

Pope Leo XIV makes historic apology for Vatican’s role in legitimizing slavery

By Nicole Winfield and Paolo Santalucia | AP

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV made a historic apology on Monday for the Holy See’s role in legitimizing slavery and for having failed to condemn it for centuries, calling the Vatican’s record a “wound in Christian memory.”

Past popes have apologized for Christians’ involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. But no pope had ever publicly acknowledged, much less apologized for, the role that past popes played in giving European sovereigns explicit authority to subjugate and enslave “infidels.”

US bishops to consecrate America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

By Thomas Colsy| The Catholic Herald

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 during its Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, as the country prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The consecration, to be led by Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the USCCB, will take place during a concelebrated Mass. Parishes and individual Catholics nationwide are being invited to prepare through 250 hours of Eucharistic Adoration, 250 works of mercy and a novena to the Sacred Heart.

From the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Reverend Gerald Dennis Gill

Director, Office for Divine Worship

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Next month on June 11, 2026, the US Bishops will consecrate the nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is taking place as part of the observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. 

Everyone in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is encouraged to be a part of the this US Consecration in some way. Information is available (in English and Spanish) on the Novena to the Most Sacred Heart which begins on June 3, 2026. In addition, there is information (in English and Spanish) on enthroning an image of the Most Sacred Heart. 

Please help to spread this word widely.

Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, touch our hearts and make them like your own!

New Edition Just Released: The Call of Our People

The Newsletter for the Subcommittee on African American Affairs of the USCCB

Congratulations, Deacon James Johnson IV!

The National Black Catholic Congress extends heartfelt congratulations to Deacon James Johnson IV on his ordination to the transitional diaconate. This important milestone marks a profound step in his faithful journey toward the priesthood and reflects his generous response to God’s call to serve the Church. We offer our prayers and best wishes as he continues his formation and ministry, and we pray that the Lord will bless him abundantly with wisdom, strength, and joy as he prepares for priestly ordination.

Fr. Reginald Whitt Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary

From Fr. Michael Weibley, O.P. 

SS. Philip & James Catholic Church

The Dominican community at SS. Philip and James in Baltimore would like to invite you to a festive celebration in honor of Fr. Reginald Whitt, O.P. on the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. 

The celebration will take place on Saturday, May 30 beginning at 4:00pm with a solemn Mass in the parish church (the anticipated Mass for the Most Holy Trinity).