For a lot of people, the most important thing about the Feast of St. Joseph are the zeppole. Without a doubt Rhode Island is the zeppole capital of the universe. We really like our zeppole here, … more

During the Season of Advent, soon upon us, our thoughts and prayers focus on the Second Coming of Christ when, at the end of time, He will return in glory. Advent, then, is an opportunity to recall what the Church teaches us about the end times – Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, Limbo, the Second Coming of Christ and the Final Judgment. more

For readers outside of the region, first, a little background. Cranston High School West, a fine public high school located in Cranston RI, has found itself in a bit of a pickle recently, a “prayer pickle” you might say. You see, there’s this prayer banner hanging in the school auditorium that says: more

It is said that every man has a natural desire to do three things: plant a tree, write a book and father a child. The particulars of the proverb aside, the point is that every person yearns to leave behind something of permanent value when he departs the earth. Bishop Thomas Francis Hendricken, first Bishop of Providence, certainly accomplished that goal - in a glorious Cathedral and in a spiritual heritage that lives on even now, 120 years after his death. more

Summer’s a time for slowing down, kicking back, relaxing, and reminiscing. It’s for that reason, perhaps, I’ve been thinking a lot about summers past, and especially one of my favorite pastimes in summers past, golfing with my dad. more

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it You would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say: “Rudolph with your nose so bright Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” Then all the reindeer loved him And they shouted out with glee: “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer You’ll go down in history!” more

Along with the Catholic Church around the world, the Diocese of Providence has now begun its observance of the “Year of Consecrated Life.” At the invitation of Pope Francis, during the fourteen months to follow, the Church is called upon to promote the vocation of the consecrated life, to celebrate the many contributions of religious women and men, and to thank all those who have served so faithfully as religious priests, brothers and sisters. more

I’m not sure what prompted me to do it, but a few weeks back I sat at my computer and filled out a life expectancy calculator. Actually, I filled out several of them. Perhaps you know what I’m … more

During my recent illness and hospitalization I had a couple of brand new experiences. more

So, sometime next year you’re attending Sunday Mass as you always do, the priest takes his place in the sanctuary, makes the Sign of the Cross and says “The Lord be with you,” and you dutifully respond, “And also with you.” “Wrong,” the priest says, “The correct answer now is, ‘And with your spirit’.” more

First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority. (I Tm 2:1) God’s fourth commandment also enjoins us to honor all who for our good have received authority in society from God. Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God. (The Catechism of the Catholic Church.) more

You’ve probably heard the story of the little boy who, with his family, was greeting the parish priest after Sunday Mass. “Father,” said the lad, “when I grow up I’m going to give you all the money I have!” “Well that’s very nice,” said the priest, “but why would you do a thing like that?” The boy responded, “Because my dad just said that you’re the poorest preacher we’ve ever had!” more

Whenever I visit our Catholic schools, occasionally one of the students will ask me what my favorite Bible verse is. The answer varies, depending on which verse comes to mind first, for in fact I have more than one favorite. Some of them are as follows. (Part I – Old Testament) more

You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world . . . Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. (Mt 5:13, 14, 16) When Jesus addressed these words to His disciples, He made it clear that He expected them to make a difference in the world. And so it is with us. If our faith is real, it touches every aspect of our life. And if our faith is real, we should share it with our family, friends and neighbors; we should live it to the hilt, in our homes, in our schools, in the places we work and recreate. Question: Do other people know you are a Catholic? Do they recognize you as a follower of Christ? more

It is often said that death comes in threes, and in the Providence Diocese we’ve had that, plus one more, in recent weeks. Four of our priests – Fr. Joseph Besse, Fr. Anthony Carmone, Fr. John Carty and Msgr. Norman Metsy – have completed their earthly pilgrimage and have returned to the Lord. Our four senior priests had long and good lives, serving the Church with devotion and love in a variety of ministries. more

Depending on your point of view, it’s either the most significant archeological find in history, with enormous theological consequences, or just another fraudulent publicity stunt aimed at promoting a silly television program. I vote for the latter. more

Without a doubt, Holy Week marks the high point of the liturgical year. It’s a very significant time for every Catholic, as we follow Jesus with a lively faith and strive to share once again in the fullness of the Paschal Mystery. As the Preface for the Passion of the Lord reminds us: “The days of his life-giving death and glorious resurrection are approaching. This is the hour when Christ triumphed over Satan’s pride, the time when we celebrate the great event of our redemption.” more

No question about it, Catholics like blessings. It’s part of our faith and culture. We regularly bless people, places and things – religious things and secular things. more

Older Catholics will certainly be familiar with the concept of “Easter duty,” a phrase that describes the obligation of Catholics to receive Holy Communion at least once a year, specifically during the Easter Season. more

Spring is a beautiful time of the year, filled with significant social and religious events – graduations and weddings, ordinations and First Masses, jubilees and anniversaries, Confirmations and First Holy Communions. more