Born at Montaubon (Drôme), February 10, 1835.
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, April 30, 1852.
Oblation at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, May 1, 1853. (no. 341 bis)
Died at Montolivet, Marseilles, March 14, 1856

Auguste Ricard was born at Montaubon in the diocese of Valence on February 10, 1835. Following his studies at the minor seminary of Romans, he began his novitiate at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on April 30, 1852 and made his oblation on May 1, 1853. He was unanimously admitted to vows in the General Council session of April 12, 1852. In the report of the session, the secretary wrote: “The reports sent about him from the Reverend Master of Novices were constantly favourable to him. The overall impression they convey is that this brother conducted himself very well during his whole novitiate, that he is endowed with a solid virtue and with a deep prayer life. Moreover, he is very attached to his vocation, is of good character, is sober and serious. In addition to all this, he enjoys good health and has above average talents…”

He subsequently studied theology at the major seminary at Marseilles in 1853-1854 and at Montolivet from 1854 until his death on March 14, 1856. Father Mouchette, moderator of scholastics, in his report on the Oblates, stressed in 1853 and 1854 the good health of this scholastic, his “eminent and solid prayer life,” his great consolations and the gift of tears. In 1855, he mentions collection of fluid in one foot, then fatigue as a result of “a cold which keeps hanging on.” In 1856, he wrote that “he has gone down a lot, his strength has palpably diminished.”

In his notes concerning some scholastic brothers, Bishop de Mazenod wrote: “Admirable vocation. Great fidelity and generosity in following his vocation. Unflagging happiness since he entered the Congregation. Attraction for the foreign missions, great devotion to the divine person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Very tangible devotion, genuine gift of tears, everything without affectation.”

Scholastic brother Ricard died almost suddenly on March 14, 1856 of “pulmonary consumption.” After his name in the 1862-1863 Personnel Registry, we read: “This brother who possessed rare virtue and showed exemplary austerity suffered from scrofula. He died with the most edifying dispositions at Montolivet on March 14, 1856.”

Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.