Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Diocese hosts regional forum on immigration

PROVIDENCE — The Diocese of Providence, in partnership with the Hope Border Institute (HOPE), based in El Paso, Texas and the Center for Migration Studies (CMS), based in New York City, brought … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 12/18/25

God pitches his tent among us, like a candle flickering in the dark

Advent belongs to a season shrouded in darkness, especially in New England. December days decrease in length, while nights grow long and cold. The halcyon cool of an August twilight seems lost to … more

12/18/25

A displaced Syrian family are pictured in a file photo inside their tent at a refugee camp in the village of Jeb Jennine, in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.

Immigrants, refugees and the Holy Family

In 2025, perhaps no public policy question has generated more commentary and protest than immigration and deportation. The matter is not confined to the U.S., of course, with analogous controversies … more

By Kenneth Craycraft, OSV News | 12/18/25

Three Chimes, Three Mysteries

Until the last century, Church bells had framed the Christian day for most of the Western world’s history. Awakened in the morning by the peal from the local church, workers went off to their jobs, … more

12/18/25

People attend a candlelight vigil at Lippitt Memorial Park in Providence, R.H., Dec. 14, 2025, following a mass shooting at Brown University. The shooting left two students dead and nine others injured at the Ivy League school, where classes and exams have been canceled.

'A Sense of Deep Sorrow': Gaudete Sunday Turns Somber for Brown/RISD Catholic Community After Shooting

PROVIDENCE — The violence that erupted at the Brown University’s campus on Dec. 13 was more than a national headline; it was a deeply personal tragedy that struck at the heart of the Providence … more

By Daniel J. Holmes, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent & Laura Kilgus, Associate Editor | 12/16/25

A Message to the Jewish Community from Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R.

Dear Friends in the Jewish Community, As the winter nights grow longer and as you prepare to begin the celebration of the "Festival of Lights" this weekend, please accept my prayerful best wishes, … more

12/12/25

A drone view of Palestinians lighting up a Christmas tree in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in the West Bank Dec. 6, 2025.

Bethlehem celebrates first Christmas tree lighting since war as pilgrims slowly return

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 65-feet Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6 — for the first time since December 2022 … more

By Judith Sudilovsky, OSV News | 12/11/25

Diocese Approves Merger of Four Pawtucket Parishes

PROVIDENCE— After consulting the Council of Priests, Most Rev. Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence, approved the request of the pastors, trustees, and finance councils of two … more

12/11/25

The annual Catholic Women’s Conference took place on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. As the only designated Jubilee site in Rhode Island, the cathedral offered attendees the unique chance to fulfill the requirements to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence. The event featured Holy Mass, inspiring talks, live music and a variety of vendors. Pictured, Kristen Fisher from Enkindle Catholic Ministries speaks to attendees.

Catholic Women’s Conference a beautiful celebration of faith

PROVIDENCE —Christmas is a time to remember that the Word of God descended to earth in the darkness of night so that he could be close to us in our own darkness. This idea, which concluded … more

By Kathleen Troost-Cramer, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 12/11/25

Show up in the Desert!

That John the Baptist appears in the desert is problematic. Sure, it is the fulfillment of prophecy. John the Baptist’s appearance in the desert was seen as a direct fulfillment of Old … more

12/11/25

Special Events for 12.11.25

Festival of Lessons & Carols WARWICK — Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope invites you to come celebrate the anticipation of Our Lord’s incarnation. Join us to hear the Chesterton … more

12/11/25

The One Reason to Rejoice Always

This weekend the Church will celebrate “Gaudete Sunday.” It’s the Sunday when we light the third candle—the rose one—on our Advent wreaths, signifying that the season is … more

12/11/25

An Unflinching Call to Serve the Poor

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (English edition) is a 904 page volume that sits on many a rectory office shelf with very few pages wrinkled from frequent use. The tome’s understandable … more

12/11/25

We cannot deny that all of us are made in the image and likeness of God

TO THE EDITOR: The present administration continues to round up and imprison immigrants in a manner that is both violent and cruel. The violence and related killing are taking place on the seas … more

Father Thomas O’Neill, Senior Priest | 12/11/25

Saint Raphael Academy’s First Athletics Hall of Fame Awards in January

PAWTUCKET — Coming off its centennial anniversary celebration, Saint Raphael Academy will host its first Athletics Hall of Fame on January 10, 2026. The Athletics Hall of Fame is a new … more

12/11/25

Providence College and MGH Institute of Health Professions Launch Direct Nursing Pathway

PROVIDENCE — Providence College School of Nursing and Health Sciences (PCSNHS) and the Mass General Brigham Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) announced a new partnership that creates a … more

12/11/25

From left, Immigration and Refugee Services Case Manager Thomas Dedah, Office Manager Nancy Gonzalez, Case Manager Genesis Rosado, and Secretary for Catholic Charities and Social Ministry James Jahnz present Father Jared Costanza, pastor of Christ the King parish, Kingston, with one of the first ever ‘Welcoming the Stranger’ awards for the parish’s strong efforts in helping to make the transition to life in the U.S. easier for refugees resettling in Rhode Island.

Parishes honored for assisting refugees with 'Welcoming the Stranger' awards

PROVIDENCE — For the past six years, since before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christ the King Parish in Kingston has been at the forefront of assisting immigrants who’ve come to … more

BY RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 12/11/25

On Saturday, Nov. 29 Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., installed Father Richard A. Narciso as the new pastor at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Johnston.

Celebrating new beginnings at Our Lady of Grace, as new pastor is installed

12/11/25

Why authentic friendships outshine AI companions

There is beauty and value to friendships. Friends offer support in trials, increase happiness and reduce stress. Some friendships are temporary while others endure a lifetime. As human beings, we are … more

By Sister Nancy Usselmann | 12/4/25

Ukraine’s Religious Leaders and Munich 2.0

Prior to the “Revolution of Dignity” that began on the Maidan, Kyiv’s Independence Square, in late 2013 and eventually gave birth to the country that has amazed the world with its … more

12/4/25