Rhode Island Catholic

Pro-life demonstrators in Washington celebrate outside the Supreme Court June 24, 2022, as the court overruled the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion decision.

Supreme Court overturns Roe in anticipated Dobbs decision

WASHINGTON — In a 6-3 decision June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its nearly 50-year-old decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion in this country. Click here to … more

By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News Service | 6/24/22

Statement of Bishop Thomas J. Tobin regarding the US Supreme Court Ruling on Roe v. Wade

I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse.Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live. (Dt 30:19) The Catholic Church has been clear and consistent in … more

By Bishop Thomas J. Tobin | 6/24/22

Three Keys To The Future

The observance of the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese is nearing an end. For several months now we’ve had a number of devotional, educational and cultural events. This diocesan paper has … more

6/23/22

Solemn Holy Mass, concert to celebrate closing of 150th anniversary year of the diocese

PROVIDENCE — On Sunday, June 26, 1 p.m., join Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, D. D., Bishop of Providence, celebrant and homilist, for a special Solemn Holy Mass marking the closing of the Diocese … more

6/23/22

A Year to Remember

A Night to Honor MaryThe Diocese of Providence inaugurated the sesquicentennial of its founding with a solemn, but grand celebration at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul on Sept. 8, 2021 with A … more

6/23/22

A drawing depicts the consecration of the first bishop of Providence, Thomas F. Hendricken on April 28, 1872.

1872: The Birth of the Diocese of Providence

PROVIDENCE — If history had taken a different turn in 1844, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence would have recently celebrated its 175th anniversary instead of the 150 years of existence … more

By Rick Snizek, Executive Editor | 6/23/22

Cathedral renovations complete in time for anniversary

PROVIDENCE — Just in time to mark the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Providence, the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul has emerged from recent major renovations strengthened, reinvigorated … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 6/23/22

Since Hendricken’s arrival, Providence still leads us to Heaven

In the mid-90’s, my classmates and I explored the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul for the first time. St. Catherine Parish’s Director of Religious Education, Martha Capaldi, arranged a … more

By Father Nathan J. Ricci | 6/23/22

The Spirit of the Lord is upon the Diocese of Providence

Worshipers who joyously and gratefully gather at the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul this coming weekend to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Providence will notice … more

6/23/22

God’s goodness can be found in 150 years of vocations

Shortly after 10:30 in the morning on the seventh day of July 1872, the 45-year-old Thomas Francis Hendricken entered the sanctuary of the old Cathedral church in Providence. The Providence Visitor, … more

By Father Ryan W. Connors | 6/23/22

To honor their patron, St. Francis Xavier, this parish in East Providence offers one of the largest Portuguese feasts in Rhode Island.

The Pilgrims of Providence

By DANIEL J. HOLMESRhode Island Catholic CorrespondentPROVIDENCE — Until comparatively recently, public school history curricula tended to narrativize the story of American civilization as … more

By DANIEL J. HOLMES, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 6/23/22

A copy of The Weekly Visitor’s Christmas edition from 1875.

The Founding of ‘The Visitor’

PROVIDENCE — That the Providence Visitor — now Rhode Island Catholic — has survived and flourished all these years can be attributed to the fact that it was founded to serve a … more

Father Robert W. Hayman, Ph.D. | 6/23/22

Bishop Robert C. Evans is the seventh and current auxiliary bishop to serve in the Diocese of Providence. “The ministry of a bishop as well as that of a priest is not measured in terms of achievements or successes but is understood only in the language of faith, hope and love,” Bishop Evans said when Pope Benedict XVI appointed him in 2009. The term “auxiliary” refers to the supporting role that the titular bishop provides a residential bishop but in every way, auxiliaries embody the fullness of the episcopal dignity.

Auxiliary Bishops of the Diocese of Providence

Throughout this anniversary year, Rhode Island Catholic has featured profiles of the seven former bishops who have led the Diocese of Providence over the last 150 years. Here, we feature a … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 6/23/22

Seminarians in prayer at the Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick.

At OLP, Jesus is ‘source and summit’ for generations of seminarians

PROVIDENCE — For 150 years, the priests in the Diocese of Providence have brought Christ to the lay faithful through their preaching and the celebration of the sacraments. They have served the … more

By Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor | 6/23/22

In September 1910, nearly 400 people involved in Catholic charitable work—clergy, lay and religious men and women, social workers, and academics—gathered at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, for the historic founding of the National Conference of Catholic Charities (NCCC). Above, a poster appeals for funds during the Great Depression.

Serving from the Start: Diocese has a long history of lovingly helping neighbors in need

PROVIDENCE — Throughout its existence, Catholic Charities and Social Ministry in the Diocese of Providence has consistently risen to meet the needs of those who are in the most dire of … more

Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor | 6/23/22

The cathedra in the grandeur of the cathedral.

Historic Change: New cathedra, more in keeping with grandeur of cathedral, installed

PROVIDENCE — Since 1972, the same wooden cathedra has served as the seat of each bishop’s teaching authority in the Diocese of Providence. But this Sunday, June 19, the Solemnity of … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 6/16/22

Mother Olga receives her honorary doctorate at PC’s recent commencement.

Bringing Nazareth to New England

PROVIDENCE — On Sunday, May 15, some fifty thousand people crowded into St. Peter’s Square to celebrate as Pope Francis canonized St. Charles de Foucauld, together with nine other holy … more

By Daniel J. Holmes, Rhode Island Catholic | 6/16/22

Bishop Robert E. Mulvee served as a shepherd in the Diocese of Providence for 10 years, beginning in 1995, when he was named by the Vatican to serve as coadjutor to then-Bishop Louis E. Gelineau. After serving alongside Bishop Gelineau for two years, in 1997 he became the seventh Bishop of Providence. His episcopal motto, “As One Who Serves,” epitomized his lifelong commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and his church.

The Seventh Bishop of Providence: Bishop Robert E. Mulvee

As the Diocese of Providence celebrates its 150th anniversary through June 26, 2022, Rhode Island Catholic is featuring profiles of the men who have served as diocesan shepherds through its … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 6/16/22

Salve Regina University graduates Rose Whiteman, Morgan George and Natalie Pelletier celebrate following commencement exercises Sunday, May 8, 2022.

Salve Regina awards 742 degrees during commencement

NEWPORT — Salve Regina University held commencement exercises for graduate students on Thursday, May 5, and for undergraduate students on Sunday, May 8. Salve Regina President Dr. Kelli … more

6/16/22

Providence College graduate and undergraduate students celebrate the culmination of years of hard work at the 104th commencement exercises.

Providence College commencement returns to the Dunk

PROVIDENCE — Providence College’s commencement exercises returned to the Dunkin Donuts Center in downtown Providence for the first time in three years on Sunday, May 22.Val Ackerman, … more

6/16/22