Bishop Thomas J. Tobin - Without a Doubt
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A long period of years must past before the liturgical edifice, which the mystical Spouse of Christ has formed in her zeal and understanding to proclaim her piety and faith, will again appear splendid with dignity and harmony, cleansed of the accumulations of age. more
This is a story about Peter, Paul and Mary. No, not the great Apostles and beloved Mother of Jesus, but the other Peter, Paul and Mary - you know, the singing trio, the folk group. If you're under a certain age, let's say about thirty, you probably don't know much about Peter, Paul and Mary - known to their groupies as PP&M. But if I mention songs like Puff the Magic Dragon, Blowin in the Wind, If I Had a Hammer, Leaving on a Jet Plane and This Land is Your Land, perhaps you'll feel a little more comfortable! more
Without a doubt it's difficult to be a faithful Christian, a faithful Catholic in the world today. It's even more difficult to be a young Christian, a young Catholic. There are so many pressures and temptations; so many alternate voices that lead young people away from Christ and His Church. We need to pray for our youth, encourage them and support them in the practice of their faith. more
A few years ago I visited a Hindu Temple to participate in an annual Interfaith Unity Day observance. Upon entering the building, all the participants were asked to remove their shoes. We remained shoeless throughout the day. Our Hindu guests explained to us their belief that the Temple is sacred space and the removal of shoes is to prevent any contamination from the outside world from entering into the realm of the sacred. more
The Celebration of All Saints on November 1st is a joyful and blessed day for the Church; it’s a victory celebration for us. On this day we honor the saints, our heroes, members of the Church who … more
Dear College Student: Whether you are about to begin college for the first time or are returning to continue your studies, this is an important and challenging time in your life. On this occasion I'd like to share a few thoughts with you. I wish I could meet you personally, but that's not really possible. Nonetheless, I hope you will accept my reflections in the spirit they're given, a spirit of sincerity and love. more
In reviewing my files I see that it's been almost ten years since I've written about gambling. In light of the fierce debate now taking place in Rhode Island about a new casino, it's time to revisit the question. more
(The following is an interview I didn’t have, but can imagine having, with President Obama.) BISHOP TOBIN: First of all, Mr. President, congratulations on your election and inauguration. … more
Webster defines hope as, “a desire accompanied by expectation of, or belief in fulfillment.” In a far more profound expression, the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” teaches that “hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.” (#1817) more
Having had several opportunities to travel this summer, I've witnessed a growing and irritating trend - the increasing amount of "stuff" that passengers take with them onto the planes. more
Summer always affords me more time for reading, and one of the books I read this year was “A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church,” the memoirs of Archbishop Rembert Weakland. You may be familiar with Archbishop Weakland – a Benedictine priest, former archabbot of St.Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA, abbot primate of the worldwide Benedictine Order, and, most famously, Archbishop of Milwaukee from 1977-2002. more
Well, the reaction to Donald Trump’s surprise election has certainly been interesting, hasn’t it? There have been tirades and tears, dramas and demands, petitions, pickets and protests. While … more
The month of May has finally arrived, bringing with it a potpourri of special blessings. So, here are a few reflections on “Five really good things about May.” First is the improving weather … more
I'd like to tell you a little about my recent journey to Egypt, a trip taken in my role as a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Relief Services. CRS, as you probably know, is the agency of the U.S. Bishops that provides charitable assistance and human development to poor and disadvantaged people around the world. On a regular basis Board members are asked to travel to countries where CRS is involved to visit the programs, promote accountability and offer encouragement to those who work there. more
The impending collision of Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day on the calendar this year might seem like in insurmountable conflict to some, and understandably so, for after all, the themes of one … more
Last time I shared with you some of the details of our recent CRS trip to Egypt. Now I'd like to offer a few personal reflections from my time there. more
My dear Brother or Sister: In the spirit of the Advent and Christmas Season, and as the Diocese of Providence nears the end of its “Year of Evangelization,” I’m writing this letter to inactive Catholics of our Diocese – perhaps you’re in that category – to let you know that we miss you, we love you and we want you to come home to the Church. more
We often speak about a “vocation crisis” in the Church today, referring to the fact that we need more young men and women to enter the priesthood and religious life. And indeed it is one of the great pastoral needs of the contemporary Church. The fostering of religious vocations is the responsibility of the entire Church and we all have to work and pray harder for an increase of vocations in service to the Church. more
By now you’ve probably noticed that the stores are stocked with Christmas items – cards, decorations, trees and gifts – a sure sign that Halloween is just around the corner! Of course the Halloween stuff has been on the counters since Labor Day so we should be well-prepared for our annual foray into the nether world. more
Give thanks frequently to God for all the benefits He has conferred on you, that you may be worthy to receive more. (St. Louis of France) Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to … more
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