Monsignor Arsène Richard was born in Saint-Louis-de-Kent on May 9, 1935, son of Basile Richard and Josephine Richard. After completing his primary studies in Saint-Louis-de-Kent, he did his classical course at the Sacred Heart University of Bathurst from 1949 to 1956 and his theological studies at the Saint-Coeur-de-Marie seminary, Halifax, 1956 to 1960. He was ordained a priest by His Excellency Monsignor Norbert Robichaud on June 11, 1960 in his native parish. After his ordination, he was a professor at Assumption College, director of students at the Pius X Student Center in Moncton.

He then continued his liturgical studies at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Bruges, Belgium from 1964 to 1965. From 1965 to 1966 he studied catechesis at the Catholic Institute of Paris. Back in his diocese, he was appointed diocesan director of catechesis on September 10, 1967, a position he held until July 27, 1984. In addition to this function at the diocesan level he was vicar in the parish of Christ the King in 1970. In 1971 he was appointed head of mission Sainte-Bernadette to become administrator on August 16, 1974. On July 6, 1983 he was appointed parish priest in Saint-Jacques parish, in Scoudouc, a position he held until his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Bathurst. Bishop Richard also worked on the organizing committee for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Moncton on September 13, 1984.

Ordained bishop on 5 February 1986 by His Excellency Monsignor Donat Chiasson in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Bathurst. He died on January 6, 1989.

Source: Diocese of Bathurst / Research P. Richard