Passing of Fr. Ricardo Elford, C.Ss.R.

Photo by Adelita Grijalva

Please pray for the repose of the soul of beloved Fr. Hugh “Ricardo” Elford, C.Ss.R., who died prior to a surgical procedure at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, AZ on September 19, 2023. A humble man with a ready smile, Fr. Ricardo was a crusader for social justice who touched countless lives and left an impressive legacy of service to migrant and Native American communities in the barrio of Tucson and along the Mexican border.

Hugh Richard Elford was born on May 21, 1938 in Seattle, WA. His family belonged to the close- knit Sacred Heart Parish community, where he saw the Redemptorists at work and was inspired at an early age to follow them. After graduating from Sacred Heart Elementary School, he attended Holy Redeemer College in Oakland, CA. He and his classmates became lifelong friends and proceeded to novitiate at Mount St. Clement’s in DeSoto, MO. After professing first vows on August 2, 1959, they continued their studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Oconomowoc, WI. A diligent student, he especially excelled in the Spanish language and participated in Fr. Jimmy O’Connell’s summer ministry to migrant workers in the Midwest and Western states. He was ordained to the priesthood by Auxiliary Bishop Roman Atkielski, DD of Milwaukee on July 2, 1964.

Fr. Ricardo completed Tirocinium at St. Alphonsus “Rock” Parish in St. Louis, MO in 1965-1966 and spent almost a year in youth ministry at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Whittier, CA before he joined Fr. John Kane at Picture Rocks Retreat House (now the Redemptorist Renewal Center) in Tucson in 1967. He was charged with offering a weekly Justice & Peace forum, a commitment he honored throughout his life.

Fr. Ricardo initially provided sacramental ministry to the Yaqui tribe, which has communities on both sides of the border between Arizona and Mexico. Within two years, he was appointed to the Mexican American Inner City Apostolate, an experimental community of confreres living in the Tucson barrio that quickly evolved into a true social ministry commitment. Although the Inner City Apostolate was disbanded in 1972, Fr. Ricardo’s ministry in the barrio continued for five more decades.

Bishop Francis Green, DD of the Diocese of Tucson appointed him vicar for the Spanish- speaking in 1975, a position he accepted in hopes that it would enhance his ministry to migrants and the poor. Fr. Ricardo soon became a pillar of the barrio community, serving as the primary contact for help with various life issues that ranged from help with basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter to specialized concerns requiring attorneys, psychologists and medical professionals. He was equally well known by law and border enforcement officials, who relied upon his energy and expertise to assist those seeking asylum or dealing with deportation orders. In five decades, he established an incredible network of contacts.

Fr. Ricardo also became involved in the national Sanctuary Movement for refugees fleeing persecution in Central America during the 1980s. Exercising caution and prudence, he provided assistance behind the scenes and participated in organized protests and prayer vigils without neglecting his established ministry.

The mounting need for medical services prompted Fr. Ricardo and his friend, Dr. Evan Kligman, an ordained Interfaith Contemplative Minister, to found Clinica Amistad in 2003. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteer professionals, the healthcare clinic continues to provide entirely free integrative healthcare to the poor and uninsured in Tucson.

For nearly 20 years, Fr. Ricardo raised awareness of the plight of migrants with the Redemptorist Renewal Center’s sabbatical participants. He led groups of priests and nuns to border towns to introduce them to the various organizations involved in migrant ministries in Southwest Arizona.

As his health declined, a wide network of friends and associates stepped up to drive Fr. Ricardo so that he could continue his ministry in the barrio and along the border. Perhaps the greatest tribute he could receive is the commitment of so many others to continue his work of advocacy and ministry. Fr. Ricardo was truly a legend in his own time.

Funeral Arrangements:

Following the wishes of Fr. Ricardo, the Redemptorists are accompanying his dear friends and long-time partners in mission whom he specifically entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Details will be announced here as they become available. Please continue to remember Fr. Ricardo in your daily prayers and Masses.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.