Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception
Diocese of Saint George's
Grenada, W.I., Caribbean
Past Prelates Bishops
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint George's in Grenada was officially established in 1956. Since its creation, five bishops have served the diocese as ordinary.
Following the retirement of the most recent Bishop Clyde Martin Harvey in June 2026, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire currently serves as the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese until a permanent successor is named.
The past prelates (bishops) of Saint George's in Grenada include:
Bishop Clyde Martin Harvey (2017–2026)
The fifth bishop of the diocese, originally from Trinidad and Tobago. He served for nine years before his retirement.
Bishop Vincent Matthew Darius, O.P. (2002–2016)
The fourth bishop and the first native Grenadian to hold the office. He passed away while in office in 2016.
Bishop Sydney Anicetus Charles (1974–2002)
The third bishop of the diocese, originally from Trinidad and Tobago. He served for nearly 28 years before retiring.
Bishop Patrick Webster, O.S.B. (1970–1974)
The second bishop of the diocese, originally from Saint Lucia. He initially served as the auxiliary bishop and apostolic administrator before becoming the ordinary. He was later appointed Archbishop of Castries.
Bishop Justin James Field, O.P. (1957–1969)
The very first bishop appointed to the diocese after its creation. Originally from England, he served until he died in 1969.
Are you looking for information on a specific timeline or event during the tenure of one of these bishops, or would you like to know more about the history of the Diocese of Saint George's in Grenada?
In the Catholic Church Christian tradition, a previous bishop (most commonly referred to as a retired bishop, bishop emeritus, or former bishop) is an ordained member of the clergy who previously led a specific geographic region or congregation but has since stepped down, retired, or completed their term of service. Because the office of a bishop exists across several distinct religious traditions, the exact definition, authority, and formal title of a "previous bishop" depend entirely on the specific denomination:
1. Roman Catholic Churches
In this sacramental tradition, a bishop is considered a bishop for life. Once they are consecrated, they retain their spiritual rank even after stepping down from active administration.
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The Formal Title: A retired bishop is formally given the honorific title of Bishop Emeritus. For example, a retired leader of a diocese would be called the "Bishop Emeritus of [Diocese Name]."
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Authority: They no longer hold administrative authority—meaning they cannot pass local laws, manage church finances, or appoint priests. That responsibility transfers entirely to their successor.
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Role: They are still highly respected and can perform sacramental duties like confirming church members or ordaining priests if requested by the current active bishop.
Bishop Emeritus
Clyde Martin Harvey
(2017–2026)
(Retired to Trinidad and Tobago)
Bishop Emeritus Clyde Martin Harvey is a prominent Trinidadian prelate of the Catholic Church who recently retired as the head of the Diocese of Saint George's in Grenada. Known for his outspoken advocacy, community engagement, and social activism, he transitioned to the status of Bishop Emeritus in June 2026 after his resignation was officially accepted by Pope Leo XIV.
Key Biographical Overview
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Birth: Born on November 9, 1948, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
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Priesthood: Ordained as a Catholic priest on June 27, 1976.
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Episcopal Ministry: Appointed Bishop of Saint George's in Grenada by Pope Francis in 2017, serving the communities of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.
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Retirement: Submitted his mandatory age-related resignation in late 2023. He remained in office until Pope Leo XIV accepted it on June 9, 2026, marking the end of his nine-year tenure.
Notable Work and Social Legacy
Long before becoming a bishop, Father Harvey built a reputation in Trinidad as a compassionate leader dedicated to the marginalized. His most notable social contributions include:
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Co-founding LIFELINE: A vital crisis hotline dedicated to assisting individuals struggling with despair and suicidal thoughts.
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HIV/AIDS Advocacy: Co-founded two major support organizations—Community Action Resource (CARe) and South AIDS Support—to provide care and combat the stigma associated with the illness.
Following his official step-down, the Vatican appointed Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries, St. Lucia, to serve as the Apostolic Administrator of the Grenada diocese until a permanent successor is chosen.
Bishop Emeritus
Vincent Matthew Darius, O.P.
(2002–2016)
(Deceased)
Bishop Emeritus Vincent Matthew Darius, OP was the third Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint George's in Grenada, serving from his installation in 2002 until his death in 2016. Notably, he was the very first native Grenadian to be appointed to the position.
Quick Facts:
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Born: September 6, 1955, in Crochu, Saint Andrew, Grenada.
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Died: April 26, 2016 (aged 60) in New York City after battling cancer.
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Religious Order: Order of Friars Preachers (Dominicans).
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Episcopal Career: Appointed by Pope John Paul II on July 10, 2002, and ordained as a bishop on October 2, 2002.
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Burial: Resting in a crypt at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in St. George's, Grenada.
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He was widely respected for his focus on education, national spiritual leadership, and his collaborative work with the Conference of Churches in Grenada.
Bishop Emeritus
Sydney Anicetus Charles
(1974–2002)
(Deceased)
Bishop Emeritus Sydney Anicetus Charles (April 17, 1926 – September 4, 2018) was a prominent Trinidadian Roman Catholic bishop who served as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Saint George's in Grenada for nearly three decades. Affectionately known as "Bishop Syd," he was widely recognized for his steadfast leadership during times of severe political crisis and his enduring commitment to youth development and education.
Fast Facts
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Birth: April 17, 1926, in Saint Joseph, Trinidad and Tobago.
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Death: September 4, 2018 (aged 92), in Saint George's, Grenada.
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Priesthood Ordination: March 7, 1954 (for the Archdiocese of Port of Spain).
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Episcopal Tenure: Consecrated on January 26, 1975; retired on July 10, 2002.
Key Highlights & Legacy
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Stewardship Through Crisis: Taking office right after Grenada's independence, Bishop Charles guided the local church through major political upheavals. This included the rise of the New Jewel Movement led by Maurice Bishop in 1979 and the bloody coup of 1983. He famously joked that Grenada had "two bishops" at the time—one religious and one political. His successor, Bishop Clyde Harvey, praised his ability to keep his composure and maintain true strength during periods of radical isolation and turmoil.
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Educational Advocacy: He passionately advocated for God-centered education. In July 1984, he founded the New Life Organisation (NEWLO), a highly successful technical, vocational, and life skills training center that remains one of his most celebrated and enduring legacies in Grenada.
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Adoption of Grenada: After retiring as Bishop in 2002, he chose to become a Grenadian citizen and remained in Morne Jaloux, Grenada, until his passing. He is buried in the crypt beneath the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in St. George's.
Bishop Emeritus
Patrick Webster, OSB
(1970–1974)
(Deceased)
Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Webster, OSB (April 24, 1924 – July 24, 1989) was a prominent Saint Lucian Catholic prelate and Benedictine monk who served as a high-ranking church leader in the Caribbean. He served as the second Bishop of Saint George's in Grenada, serving as the head of the diocese in Grenada from 1974 to 1979 before becoming archbishop.
Key Biographical Overview
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Religious Order: He was a member of the Order of Saint Benedict (OSB), commonly known as the Benedictines.
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Early Ministry: Born in Castries, Saint Lucia, he was ordained as a priest on June 30, 1957. Before his episcopal appointments, he served as Prior of the Monastery of Notre Dame du Mont-des-Oliviers in Martinique.
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Episcopal Consecration: He was appointed a bishop on June 26, 1969, and consecrated on August 31, 1969.
Major Leadership Roles
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Titular See of Ottocium: Assigned as the Titular Bishop of Ottocium upon his initial appointment in 1969.
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Bishop of Saint George's in Grenada: Served as the head of the diocese in Grenada from 1974 to 1979.
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Archbishop of Castries: He returned to his birth country to serve as the very first Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Castries in Saint Lucia, serving from 1974 to 1979.
He passed away on July 24, 1989, at the age of 65 in Solesmes, France. You can read a complete breakdown of his ecclesiastical timeline on his Catholic-Hierarchy Profile or review his historical summary on Wikipedia.
Bishop Emeritus
Bishop Justin James Field, O.P.
(1957–1969)
(Deceased)
Bishop Emeritus Justin James Field, O.P., was an English Dominican clergyman who served as the Bishop of Saint George's in Grenada from 1957 until 1969.
Early Life
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Birth: Born on July 6, 1899, in Down Hatherley, England, near Cheltenham (according to the Diocese of Saint George's in Grenada).
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Conversion: Joined the Catholic Church at age 16, much to his parents' distress.
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Ordination: Ordained as a Catholic priest on September 18, 1926, as a member of the Dominican Order (Order of Friars Preachers).
Ministry as Bishop
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Appointment: Appointed as bishop on January 14, 1957, and consecrated on March 25, 1957 (according to the Diocese of Saint George's in Grenada).
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Leadership: Led the Diocese of Saint George's in Grenada with a strong focus on spreading the Gospel.
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Foundations: Established new groups and centers, including a Madonna House foundation on Carriacou island and a community in Victoria, Grenada.
Death
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Date: Died on August 4, 1969, on St. Dominic's day.
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Age: Passed away at age 70 in St. George's, Grenada.
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Resting Place: Buried inside his cathedral in St. George's.
