Father Larry Richards

A gifted and captivating speaker, preacher, retreat master, and author, Father Larry Richards holds the answer to some of life's most profound questions. He speaks from experience as a pastor of an inner-city parish, a high school chaplain, a counselor, and an evangelist. Father Larry Richards has directed thousands of Retreats, Parish Missions, and Conferences for young and old alike. His inspirational talks and presentations, always authentic and enthusiastic, have changed the hearts, minds, and lives of millions of listeners worldwide. He continues to accept invitations for speaking engagements all over the world.

Father Larry Richards was born on March 26, 1960, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He entered St. Mark High School Seminary, Erie, Pennsylvania, at the age of 17. After high school, Father Larry attended college Seminary at Gannon University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling in 1983.

Continuing his studies at the Major Seminary at St. Vincent in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Father Larry Richards received his Master of Divinity degree in 1987, and he also studied Liturgy at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana.

Ordained to the priesthood on April 21, 1989, for the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania, Father Larry Richards has served as a pastor since July 1, 2002. He currently serves as pastor of St. Luke Church and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. He is the founder and spiritual director of the DME (Divine Mercy Encounter) Retreat Program in the Diocese of Erie. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Men's Leadership Alliance (CMLA), which ministers to men all around the world. 

On August 30, 2004, Father Larry founded and is the president of The Reason For Our Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the Good News by educating others about Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith through multiple media resources. In addition, the Foundation supports charities that strive to make real the Gospel of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at www.thereasonforourhope.org.

He has recorded many talks on all aspects of the Catholic Faith for individual and small-group instruction, all of which are available at OurHope.TV completely free of charge. Some of his most popular talks are entitled, The Truth, Confession, The Mass Explained, Knowing God’s Will, Prayer, Living in the Holy Spirit, and Be a Man. Father Larry’s live presentation of What More Could He Do For You?, a dramatic explanation of the Passion of Jesus, is, without a doubt, the most moving re-enactment of the Passion one can view.

Father Larry began his weekly live podcast, called Anchored in Hope, in March of 2021, during which he answers live-chat and e-mail questions. This, along with daily Mass, can be found on OurHope.TV and YouTube, as well as downloaded on your favorite podcast app.

Father Larry’s first book, Be a Man! Becoming the Man God Created You To Be, was published by Ignatius Press in October of 2009, and it was the #1 best seller by Ignatius Press in 2010. Father Larry’s second book, Surrender! The Life-Changing Power of Doing God’s Will, was published by Our Sunday Visitor in September of 2011. In 2014, a Catholic Men's Bible, NABRE, with introduction and instructions by Father Larry, was published by Our Sunday Visitor. A Scripture Desk Calendar entitled No Bible, No Breakfast! No Bible, No Bed!, containing both morning and evening Scripture passages and encouraging words from Father Larry, was published by The Word Among Us in 2014, as well.

Father Larry's recorded talks can be heard on the EWTN Radio Show, called Father Knows Best. He has a segment on Dr. Ray’s television series, Living Right with Dr. Ray which airs on EWTN Global Catholic Television. Father Larry was a favorite, as well, on the EWTN radio show called Open Line from the year 2015 through 2020.