The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart

Established in 1893, we are a society of Catholic priests and brothers working among African Americans. #JoinTheHarvest

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

With faith in the resurrection and deep gratitude for a life devoted to God and His Church, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the Society of St. Joseph’s of the Sacred Heart mourn the passing of Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ, who entered eternal life on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Washington, D.C., at the age of 86. The obituary can be read here: https://t.co/CX8mfDyuaH

[Integral Human Development @VaticanIHD]

#MagnificaHumanitas ☀️
In the face of new forms of dehumanisation, we have an urgent duty to remain profoundly human. 🫂
⚠️ Let us not build another Tower of Babel; let us become builders of communion! 🤝

Learn more: https://t.co/p6UFcFfJHJ

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

Beautifully written about our dear Superior and brother. Thank you @CatholicReview

[Catholic Review @CatholicReview]

A Josephite priest whose ministry spanned parish life, Catholic education and national leadership, Bishop Ricard became one of the most influential Black Catholic voices in the United States during a time of important conversations about race, civil rights and the Church’s role in confronting injustice. https://t.co/kLHwMj28E7

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

It is with deep sorrow that the Josephites announce the passing of Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ, Superior General of the Josephites and Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, who died on May 20, 2026, at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Washington, DC.

Born on February 29, 1940, Bishop Ricard faithfully served the Catholic Church for decades through his ministry as a Josephite priest, counselor, educator, pastor, bishop, humanitarian, and leader. He devoted his life to
the proclamation of the Gospel, humanitarian efforts worldwide, the mission of the Josephite Society, and the pastoral care of God’s people, especially within Black Catholic communities.

The Josephite community asks for prayers for the repose of Bishop Ricard’s soul, for the Josephite community, his family, friends, and all whomourn his passing.

Further information regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services
will be shared soon.

[Black Catholic Messenger @BlkCathlicMsngr]

Honoring St. Joseph the Worker presents a challenge to the modern world, emphasizing the dignity of work amid rampant disregard for the human person.

@SBentleyva reflects as a Black Catholic, citing Pope Leo XIII and the first American pontiff. https://t.co/qbcSTZ6Xuk

[Black Catholic Messenger @BlkCathlicMsngr]

Fr Robert Boxie III has been named an Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, marking the first appointment of a new African-American Catholic prelate in nearly a decade.

The Howard University chaplain, 45, is set to become the nation's youngest Catholic bishop. https://t.co/4gbiwJiXOH

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

We are happily praying for our brother.

[Black Catholic Messenger @BlkCathlicMsngr]

Fr Robert Boxie III has been named an Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, marking the first appointment of a new African-American Catholic prelate in nearly a decade.

The Howard University chaplain, 45, is set to become the nation's youngest Catholic bishop. https://t.co/4gbiwJiXOH

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

Visit: https://t.co/8Oo50wynnE for more information

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

My brothers and sisters, in today’s Gospel, Jesus Christ speaks to us through the words and reveals Himself as both the Shepherd and the way. He says plainly: “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.”

These words are deeply needed in our time. We live in a world with many voices calling for our attention; voices of fear, anger, greed, distraction, and false promises. Many claim to offer happiness or security, yet leave our hearts empty. Christ warns us about thieves who come only to steal and destroy. Anything that pulls us away from truth, love, dignity, and communion with God can become such a thief.

But Jesus Christ comes to give. He comes to open the gate to mercy, hope, forgiveness, and new life. He comes so that we may have life, and have it more abundantly. This abundant life is not merely wealth or comfort. It is the deep joy of knowing God, the peace that remains in hardship, the strength to endure trials, and the love that makes us fully alive.

When Jesus calls Himself the Gate, He reminds us that salvation is not found in power, ideology, popularity, or possessions. It is found in relationship with Him. Through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, charity, and faithfulness, we enter more deeply into His life.

Today we should ask ourselves: What voices am I following? What thieves are trying to rob my peace? Have I been trying to climb over the wall instead of entering through Christ?

The Good News is that the gate remains open. No matter how far we have wandered, the Shepherd still calls our name. No matter how burdened we are, He still offers rest. No matter how wounded the world may seem, Christ still offers abundant life.

May this Gospel strengthen us to hear His voice, trust His way, and follow Him with courage. And may our lives help others discover the gate that leads to true freedom and everlasting joy. Amen.

🖼️: Aaron & Alan Hicks

[C.M. Bentley 🇻🇦🏇🏾 @SBentleyva]

Thank you again to the team at @GUcstpubliclife at Georgetown for the invitation to participate in this conversation.

[Georgetown Initiative on CST and Public Life @GUcstpubliclife]

Christian Bentley (@SBentleyva), executive director of the Josephite Pastoral Center (@TheJosephites) and advocate for mental health and social justice, is joining the next Salt and Light gathering for young adults on “The Crisis of Connection: Strengthening Faith and Relationships.”
RSVP for this gathering on Wednesday, April 22 at Georgetown’s Capitol Campus or online: https://t.co/0s8XTDEHR4 #ConnectionCrisisCST

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

#PopeLeoXIV

[Georgetown Initiative on CST and Public Life @GUcstpubliclife]

The Crisis of Connection: Strengthening Faith and Relationships
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22, 2026
🕧 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EDT
📍 Capitol View Event Convening Space (125 E Street NW)
🗣️ @manaafsari, @SBentleyva, @RGC3, @ChristineEmba
🔗 https://t.co/0xF6gSdlkQ
#ConnectionCrisisCST

[Integral Human Development @VaticanIHD]

“Politics is how we live together and face our problems. We can’t be nonpolitical.” Card @jesuitczerny

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

#PopeLeoXIV

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

https://t.co/3fN8KKANTU

[The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart @TheJosephites]

Check out our recent newsletter: https://t.co/9inQFtJYyK

[C.M. Bentley 🇻🇦🏇🏾 @SBentleyva]

As a @PaxChristiUSA Young Adult Caucus member I share my message for Black History Month: Hope and joy-that we will live out our faith and prayer as Catholics in this Season of Faithful Witness, standing in community to interrupt cycles of dehumanization. https://t.co/wdsmrULVLK