By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

MIAMI | Bishop Emeritus René Henry Gracida, who served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami from 1972 to 1975, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 1, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of 102.

Bishop Gracida, a World War II veteran, was the oldest Catholic bishop in the United States.

Bishop Gracida, who served as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi from 1983 to 1997, was widely recognized for his pastoral leadership, commitment to clergy formation, and expansion of diocesan ministries.

In the Archdiocese of Miami, Bishop Gracida played a key role during a formative period in the history of the archdiocese, supporting the rapid growth of the local Church and ministering to a diverse and expanding Catholic population.

In 1961, Bishop Gracida was incardinated (transferred) from the Benedictine Order to the Archdiocese of Miami. From 1961 to 1971, he served as pastor at Nativity Church in Hollywood and St. Kieran Church in Coconut Grove.

Appointed auxiliary bishop by Pope Paul VI on Dec. 6, 1971, Bishop Gracida was consecrated Jan. 25, 1972. During his time in South Florida, he worked closely with Archbishop Coleman Carroll and served parishes across the archdiocese.

Known for his practical and hands-on approach to ministry, Bishop Gracida also obtained a pilot’s license, flying small planes to visit parishes throughout the region — a reflection of his commitment to reaching the faithful wherever they were.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 9, 1923, he was the son of Enrique J. Gracida Carrizosa, a Mexican architect and engineer, and Mathilde Derbes, a fifth-generation French-American Cajun.

His great-uncle served as a vicar general in Mexico. As a teenager, he developed an early interest in missionary life, inspired by the Jesuit martyrs depicted in The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper.

From World War II to the priesthood 

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying 32 missions as a tail gunner and later as a flight engineer with the 303rd Air Expeditionary Group.

After the war, Bishop Gracida studied architecture at the University of Houston, earning a bachelor’s degree and working professionally in the field before entering religious life.

In 1951, he joined the Order of Saint Benedict at Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, taking the name René Goupil. He professed vows in 1953 and 1956 and was ordained a priest on May 23, 1959. In 1961, he was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Miami.

In 1975, Pope Paul VI named Bishop Gracida the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Three years later, Bishop Gracida received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from St. Leo College.

The Mass of installation took place at the Pensacola Bay Civic Center on November 6, 1975. Bishop Gracida set about establishing the essential governing structure of the diocese.

He became well known for piloting his own aircraft to visit parishes and celebrate confirmations across the Panhandle.

For his entire episcopal career, Bishop Gracida advocated for life from “womb to tomb,” defending the unborn, incarcerated, and terminally ill.Bishop Gracida became a supporter of the nascent cause for the canonization of the Martyrs of La Florida. He oversaw the founding of several parishes during his tenure.

From Miami to leading dioceses

On May 19, 1983, Pope John Paul II appointed him bishop of Corpus Christi, where he served until his retirement in 1997.

During his tenure, he expanded diocesan communications through radio and television, promoted priestly and lay formation, and established new parishes and missions, particularly in underserved areas such as the colonias of Laredo.

He also supported the development of retreat centers, a youth camp, and the Pastoral Institute for continuing adult education and formation.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi later underwent restructuring with the creation of the Diocese of Laredo in 2000.

Throughout his ministry, Bishop Gracida was known for his close relationship with priests and seminarians, as well as his hands-on pastoral approach.

For health reasons, Bishop Gracida was granted retirement by Pope John Paul II on April 1, 1997.

Following his retirement as a diocesan ordinary, he took up ranching in Texas while remaining active in the pro-life cause and celebrating the Church’s liturgical life.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The Archdiocese of Miami asks the faithful to join in prayer for the repose of his soul.