Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

WESTERLY — Barbara Ann F. (Lallo) Sisco, 92, of Westerly, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. She is survived by her children, Rosemary Sisco and Fr. Michael A. Sisco, Pastor of St. … more

3/19/26

Father Anthony William Verdelotti

CRANSTON — Father Anthony W. Verdelotti, 76, pastor of St. Mark Parish, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family early Saturday morning, March 14, 2026. Born in Providence, son of … more

3/19/26

St. Mary Academy Bay View Robotics Team Wins Innovation Project Award

RIVERSIDE — Last month, St. Mary Academy Bay View’s Middle School Robotics Team took home the Innovation Project Award from the FIRST LEGO League state championship held at Ponaganset Middle … more

3/19/26

The Diocese of Providence is expanding its popular “Catholic Underground” series with Ocean State Underground, a traveling event that brings Eucharistic adoration and live music to parishes across Rhode Island. Designed specifically for young adults, this initiative aims to foster community and creative worship in intimate spaces beyond the capital city.

The Underground Goes Mainstream

WEST WARWICK — For the past seven years, Catholic Underground PVD at St. Patrick Church on Smith Hill has drawn a devoted following of young adults eager to encounter Christ through Eucharistic … more

By DANIEL J. HOLMES, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/19/26

Diocese Honors Healthcare Ministers at Annual 'Thanks and Blessings' Breakfast

On March 10, 2026, the Diocesan Office for Pastoral Care for Healthcare Facilities hosted the sixth annual “Thanks and Blessings” Breakfast at the Providence Marriott’s Blue Fin Grill. The … more

3/19/26

Saint Raphael Academy's Hall of Fame to Induct New Members in April

PAWTUCKET — Saint Raphael Academy will induct new members into its Hall of Fame this spring, honoring those who have had a long association and outstanding record of service and loyalty to the … more

3/19/26

Third Grade 'Faith Over Fear Fair' Explores Marian Apparitions

Third grade students from St. Rose of Lima School in Warwick recently hosted the “Faith Over Fear Fair: A Look at Marian Apparitions,” presenting their research on Mary’s messages of love and … more

3/19/26

A family praying the rosary in their Phoenix home in this undated file photo.

Prayer, sacrifice and charity in this season of Lent

More than 25 years ago, I was working in the diocesan Office of Life and Family when I received a phone call. A sidewalk counselor was speaking to a young pregnant woman who was considering aborting … more

By Silvio Cuéllar, OSV News | 3/19/26

Redemptor Hominis: More Important Than Ever

Forty-seven years ago, Pope John Paul II issued his first encyclical, “Redemptor Hominis” (The Redeemer of Man). The first letter in the centuries-old encyclical tradition devoted to the … more

3/19/26

A Deep Faith in Jesus as Savior is expected of every authentic Christian

The early Church did not lose track of the close-knit family from Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem. According to an ancient tradition, Martha, Mary and Lazarus left behind their country home and … more

3/19/26

Give Us the Oil of Gladness!

Salad needs it. Cars need it. Some furnaces still run on it. Even clothing is made of it. We need it too! Who doesn’t love rich olive oil with crusty Italian bread? Haven’t you slathered on the … more

3/19/26

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., leads a 24-hour “Pilgrimage for Prayer and Advocacy” to Capitol Hill. By meeting with congressional leaders, including Rep. Gabe Amo of Providence District 1, pictured at left, to push for meaningful immigration reform and protections for the vulnerable, the Bishop and his fellow pilgrims from the Diocese of Providence are proving that faith and action must go hand-in-hand.

‘Going Big’ for Immigrants: Bishop and R.I. Pilgrims Take Advocacy to Washington

WASHINGTON — In encouraging maximum dedication to the three pillars of Lent this season—prayer, penance and almsgiving—Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., has implored the faithful to “Go … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 3/12/26

Mass to mark the annual Aid to the Church in Need "Red Wednesday" commemoration for persecuted Christians at St. George's Cathedral in London Nov. 22, 2023.

Vatican Envoy at United Nations: Religious Freedom is a Fundamental Right, Not a ‘Privilege’

(OSV News) — The Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations in Geneva called on governments and international organizations to strengthen religious freedom protections for persecuted … more

By Junno Arocho Esteves, OSV News | 3/12/26

Office of Compliance Reflects an Enduring Commitment to Accountability, Transparency and Protection of the Most Vulnerable

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office Report has prompted renewed discussion about how the Diocese of Providence safeguards children and investigates allegations of abuse. Scrutiny of any … more

By Kevin O’Brien, & Robert A. Creamer | 3/12/26

Might Does Not Always Make Right, or Even Sense

The “Melian Dialogue,” from Thucydides’s classic “History of the Peloponnesian War,” is the foundational text of the realist school of international relations theory. It’s 416 b.c., and … more

3/12/26

Finding the Good Shepherd in the Lenten Journey

Two of Israel’s great leaders—perhaps the greatest leaders—were the prophet Moses and the king, David. Moses famously led the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, through a forty year desert trek, … more

3/12/26

Diocese has long maintained a high level of child and youth protection standards

PROVIDENCE — In addition to abiiding by the national standards set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), each diocese is also encouraged to develop its own diocesan regulations to … more

By COLE DeSANTIS, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/12/26

Special Event Listings for 03.12.26

Traditional Irish Breakfast at Council Hall NORTH KINGSTOWN — The Knights of Columbus, 1265 Tower Hill Road, will hold a traditional Irish Breakfast on Sunday, March 15, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. The … more

3/12/26

Diocese of Providence's Response to The Attorney General Report

Any abuse of children is an abhorrent sin and a terrible crime. It is a scourge on our society wherever it occurs—in homes, schools, sports, or our religious and civic organizations. When the abuse … more

3/12/26

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., leads the third in a monthly series of Rosary Prayer encounters for migrants on a snowy Feb. 7, outside the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, where many are being housed pending deportation. On March 5, Bishop Lewandowski will lead a Pilgrimage of Prayer and Advocacy to Washington, D.C., putting faith into action as he and 35 representatiove from the diocese advocate for more favorable immigration policies with members of the Ocean State’s federal delegation.

A Call for Compassion: United States Bishops Demand Immigration Reform

PROVIDENCE — Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., joined 17 brother U.S. Catholic bishops last week in signing a statement on recommended reforms to immigration enforcement in the U.S. The … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 3/5/26