Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

In Praise of the Supremes

Article III of the Constitution, which establishes the Supreme Court, is the shortest of the three articles that define the institutions and powers of the three branches of the United States … more

8/6/26

Not Obligatory but still Important

Every August 15, the Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Typically, it is a Holy Day of Obligation, but not this year, since it falls on a Saturday. In the United States, … more

8/6/26

Tall Ships and the Church

The ocean is never too far away in Rhode Island. We are fortunate to have all manner of ocean-going vessels nearby. One has been on the water for a long time: the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, … more

8/6/26

Charity Appeal raises $8.2 million, highest total in its history

By RICK SNIZEK Executive Editor PROVIDENCE — The 2026 Catholic Charity Appeal raised the highest amount ever in its 101-year history, receiving more than $8.2 million in one-time gifts and pledges. … more

8/6/26

Adding a splash of color to an already unforgettable summer

Pure joy in action during Mother of Hope Camp’s Color Blast run and relay. Located on 126 scenic woodland acres along Echo Lake in Chepachet, this Catholic day camp of the Diocese of Providence has … more

8/6/26

Assignments 08.06.26

Retiring from Active Ministry Reverend Jacques-Eddy Chavannes, from Chaplain, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, North Providence, to retiring from active ministry, with residence remaining at St. Michael … more

8/6/26

Feel the Upward Pull

Summer star gazing is wonderful. A clear night sky can reveal a glorious panorama, a celestial feast for the eyes. At times, the night sky can truly take your breath away. August gives us another … more

8/6/26

Around the Diocese: Weekly Event Guide

Our Lady of the Rosary Annual Feast PROVIDENCE — Our Lady of the Rosary, 21 Traverse St., will hold its annual Feast from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9. Highlights include Mass on Friday … more

8/6/26

Christopher Award-winning author: Kimberly Newton Fusco, a parishioner at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Foster, was awarded by The Christophers for her children’s book “The Secret of Honeycake,” published by Penguin Random House, for its timeless themes that are still relevant to young people today.

Author pours heart and faith into Christopher-award-winning novel

FOSTER — Once upon a time there was a child with a persistent, distressing stutter. This adorable blond-haired, blue-eyed little girl lived in a not-so-faraway place called Massachusetts in the … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 8/6/26

Chesterton Academy founder and Executive Director Michael Casey meets the ‘Prayer Warriors’ for the first time in July of 2023. From left to right: Michael Casey, Maria Collins, Annette Fay, Sheila Ehrens, and Francis McGuire. Additional Prayer Warrior Celeste Martin not pictured.

Chesterton Academy ‘Prayer Warriors’ Bridge History

WARWICK — Shortly after signing the deal on their new school building in May of 2023, Chesterton Academy founder Michael Casey arrived at the former St. Francis School to begin the work of … more

By DANIEL J. HOLMES, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 8/6/26

Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn was one of several distinguished presenters for the diocesan forum on immigration.

Diocese continues the conversation on immigration and human dignity

PROVIDENCE — Just over one year into his ministry as Bishop of Providence, Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., continues to place immigration and migration among the central pastoral concerns of … more

By Andrzej Skonieczny, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 7/23/26

This summer, 37 high school students gathered at Portsmouth Abbey for Mandatum—a five-day retreat centered on prayer, the Sacraments, and humble leadership inspired by Christ’s call to “love one another” (John 13:34). Through workshops, fellowship, and spiritual reflection, these young leaders deepened their faith and prepared to serve their communities.

A commandment to love: Teens discover potential to lead at Portsmouth Abbey

PORTSMOUTH — “The future is yours,” or so young people are often told. However, a group of young men and women in the Diocese of Providence refuse to wait for a distant future to answer the … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 7/23/26

Villanova University announced July 20, 2026, this inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, which the pope himself will present at Castel Gandolfo in October during the 2026 Villanova International Sustainability Conference in Rome.

New Pope Leo XIV medal honors care for the poor, creation

(OSV News) — Villanova University, Pope Leo XIV's alma mater, has announced a new award recognizing those who integrate care for the poor and the care of creation — and the pope himself will … more

By Gina Christian, OSV News | 7/23/26

Sister Marian Steffens O.C.D.

Sister Marian Steffens O.C.D., passed into eternal life on May 16, 2026. Known as Jean Steffens as a young girl, she was the loving daughter of John Steffens and Evangeline Murphy Steffens, born in … more

7/23/26

Deacon Robert G. MacLure

Deacon Robert G. MacLure, age 92, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved husband of Rose M. (Treacy) MacLure, with whom he … more

7/23/26

Pope Leo greets faithful after the Angelus prayer in Piazza della Liberta in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Italy, July 19, 2026.

Pope Leo: God’s kingdom grows in the ‘little things of daily life’

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, (OSV News) — Catholics from every inhabited continent gathered in Castel Gandolfo July 19 as Pope Leo XIV led the Angelus prayer from the papal summer palace in the small … more

By Courtney Mares. OSV News | 7/23/26

Around the Diocese: Weekly Event Guide

The Hillbilly Thomists ‘Strange Land’ Tour PROVIDENCE — McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, will host the Hillbilly Thomists on Friday, July 24, at 7 p.m. as part of their new … more

7/23/26

Pawtucket native Daniel Arteaga was just nine or ten when he first felt called to the priesthood during Sunday Mass at the former St. Cecilia’s Church. Two decades later, he is Father Raphael Arteaga, O.P. Following years of discernment, studies at Providence College, and formation in Washington, D.C., Father Raphael recently celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving back at his home parish, ready to embark on his ministry bringing Christ’s healing to others.

From Saint to Friar: How Pawtucket’s Daniel Arteaga became Father Raphael

PAWTUCKET — The old church looks essentially the same, inside and out, as the young man remembers it. Much has changed, though. Not least of which, the parish in Pawtucket’s Darlington … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 7/23/26

Nuclear Weapons Threaten All of US

By William Smith III and Madeline Labriola Pax Christi Rhode Island On August 6 we will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, then 3 days later the bombing of Nagasaki. … more

7/23/26

Embark on a Mini-Pilgrimage Across Rhode Island

Catholics have been going on pilgrimages from the days of the early church. Pope Benedict XVI said, “to go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where … more

7/23/26