Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

The inside of the destroyed Corpus Christi Church is seen in Pacific Palisades on the west side of Los Angeles Jan. 15, 2025, in the aftermath of the wildfires. As of late Jan. 14, the death toll numbered at least 25 people, but with several wildfires raging, officials warn the actual toll will remain unclear until it's safe for investigators to access neighborhoods. Tens of thousands of people have been impacted by evacuation orders since the blazes began Jan. 7.

It has been almost eight months since fire rained down upon the Pacific Palisades, destroying more than 6,800 houses and businesses and turning this Pacific Ocean overlook into a smoldering … more

By Greg Erlandson, OSV News | 9/11/25

New Biography by Rhode Island Author Now Available

LINCOLN — Mo Guernon, a lifelong Rhode Islander and resident of Lincoln, is the author of a new highly acclaimed biography. “Love Is a Journey: The Inspiring Life and Legacy of Pope John … more

9/11/25

More than 80,000 people gather in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the canonization Mass of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis celebrated by Pope Leo XIV Sept. 7, 2025.

Bristol pastor with devotion to Carlo Acutis concelebrates canonization Mass in Rome

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor Of the estimated 80,000 faithful present to participate in the Mass Sunday at the Vatican to canonize as saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, a local pastor … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 9/11/25

The DaLuz Family – Amos, Peggy, and Alexis – inside the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence, for the 2025 Jubilee Year SPRED Pilgrimage.

SPRED-ing a hopeful message at Providence's Jubilee Year pilgrimage

PROVIDENCE — The blind, the deaf, the lame, the infirm ... Two millennia ago, Jesus of Nazareth routinely encountered crowds of these and others whose afflictions often left them feeling … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/10/25

Bishop launches MERCY21 initiative

PROVIDENCE — In a world where division and many concerns exist — whether they be about the nation’s economic outlook, ongoing wars, the polarization of opinions, even divisions … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 9/9/25

“Blessed are the merciful…” (Matthew 5:7)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, My first contribution to the Rhode Island Catholic could very easily have focused on any one of the many worries of the day. Our world is hurting. Every day we … more

9/4/25

Special Event Listings for 09.04.25

Human Life Guild Awards Nominations Due By Sept. 5 PROVIDENCE — Nominations for the 2025 Human Life Guild Awards are due on Friday, Sept. 5. These awards are presented to outstanding Catholic … more

9/4/25

Friendship, Faith, & Fun: Campers Grow in Spirit at Mother of Hope

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski received a warm welcome during his first official visit to Mother of Hope camp. He celebrated Mass for the campers and toured the faith-filled camp, located on 126 acres … more

9/4/25

St. Patrick Academy welcomes new principal Billy Burdier

PROVIDENCE — Rev. Joseph Brice, pastor of St. Patrick Parish announced the appointment of Billy Burdier as fourth principal of St. Patrick Academy. St. Patrick Academy (SPA) is a NEASC (New … more

9/4/25

New superintendent looks ahead to school year with pride, excitement

PROVIDENCE — “From our youngest students to our most seasoned veteran teachers, there is nothing quite like the start of a new school year. It never gets old,” said William F. … more

By Laura Kilgus, Associate Editor | 9/4/25

Mount St. Charles students organize summer service day at Mother of Life Center

The Mother of Life Center welcomed a group of students from across the country to its Atwells Avenue headquarters on July 15 to participate in its Summer of Service program, coordinated by the … more

9/4/25

Providence college students put faith into action

Providence College freshmen and leaders involved in the Urban Action program help prepare the St. Pius V playground last Tuesday. This program is designed to increase students’ understanding of … more

9/4/25

Joshua Kline represented Rhode Island in the annual 2025 National Right to Life Oratory Contest, in Kansas City, Kansas, which is aimed at promoting an awareness of and involvement in the pro-life movement among the youth.

Bishop Hendricken takes first place in national pro-life oratory contest

JOHNSTON — One of the most important elements in ensuring progress in the fight for justice is to inspire the next generation to remain devoted to the cause. This is of particular importance … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/4/25

St. Mary Academy – Bay View Appoints John Sung, Accomplished Lacrosse Coach, as Director of Athletics

RIVERSIDE — St. Mary Academy – Bay View, announced the appointment of John Sung as its new Director of Athletics and Strategic Programs. With a 24-year career in collegiate athletics and … more

9/4/25

Loyalty and devotion to Christ must flow from the mind and the heart

Older Catholics may remember occasions when religious women—the sisters who taught in our parish schools and staffed our nursing homes—were severely limited in their contacts with their … more

9/4/25

Back to School Prayers, Recipe Ideas for Busy Catholic families

As a new school year approaches, our family has found ways to fill our children’s bellies and souls before we begin our busy days. Morning Prayer Ideas: The Catechism of the Catholic … more

9/4/25

A memorial honoring shooting victims sits outside the Annunciation Church, which is a home to an elementary school and was the scene of a shooting the day before, in Minneapolis, Minn., August 28, 2025.

Despite Tragedies Christ Shows Us How to Keep Going

There are many questions circulating about the tragic shooting in Minneapolis at Annunciation Catholic Elementary School during its opening Mass on August 27. How did this happen? What more could … more

9/4/25

New principal Erin Clark smiles with students at St. Mary School in Cranston.

St. Mary School celebrating 75 years with new principal, changes to class structure

CRANSTON — As St. Mary School prepares to celebrate 75 years of Catholic education, the community looks ahead to a bright, changing future. The school gained a new principal this year as Lisa … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/4/25

Rhode Island Catholic Back to School Edition

Support our local Catholic Schools and Catholic advertisers by calling for a copy of this special Back to School edition of Rhode island Catholic — 401-272-1010. more

9/4/25

SOURCE OF GREAT HOPE: A statue of the Blessed Mother in prayer at Salve Regina University

Praying for peace, pope encourages people to look to Mary with hope

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Mary’s “yes” to God, to life and to love continues “in the martyrs of our time, in witnesses of faith and justice, of gentleness and … more

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service | 8/21/25