Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

PC grads told to 'leave the ladder down' for others to follow when success is achieved

PROVIDENCE — Nine hundred and seventy-five men and women crossed the stage of Amica Mutual Pavilion to receive their degrees as the 107th graduating class of Providence College on May 18. … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 5/29/25

The Class of 2025 puts their mercy mission in motion at the 75th Commencement, conferring 508 bachelor’s degrees.

Salve Regina grads advised not to let hardships discourage them from working to make the world a better place to live in

NEWPORT — Salve Regina University celebrated its 75th annual commencement on Sunday, May 18, on the Salve campus, conferring degrees to 508 undergraduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 5/29/25

More than 1,000 people gathered at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul for a Mass of Installation to welcome Most Rev. Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R, as the 10th Bishop of Providence

A Divine Day in Providence: Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. installed as the 10th Bishop of Providence

PROVIDENCE — As he took his final steps to the front door of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. appeared to be reflecting on the enormity of the moment … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 5/21/25

On Ascension, absence and true love

By Laura Kelly Fanucci OSV News One year ago, on the feast of the Ascension, we attended Mass in a hotel basement. One of our older kids was in a weekend tournament, and a priest from one of the … more

By Laura Kelly Fanucci, OSV News | 5/21/25

Ringing Out Hope in Nagasaki

The riddle of Japanese Catholicism has long fascinated me. At the end of World War II, Catholics were less than 1 percent of the population of Japan. Today, eighty years later, Catholics are less … more

5/21/25

Redemptorist charism is defined by a commitment to preaching the Good News

Older Catholics might well remember the annual parish mission which men and women attended on separate evenings allowing the preacher to speak frankly about issues thought sensitive at the time. … more

5/21/25

Special Event Listings for 05.22.25

Bristol County Chorus to perform at Holy Angels Church, Barrington BARRINGTON — The Bristol County Chorus, under the direction of Nicholas Rocha, will present their annual spring concert on … more

5/21/25

Bishop Lewandowski’s sister reflects his spirituality in coat of arms

When a priest is named a bishop, one of the things he has to do is create a personal coat of arms. Most turn to a handful of artists in the country who specialize in episcopal heraldry. When Most. … more

By Christopher Gunty, Catholic Review | 5/21/25

Bishop Bruce Lewandowski delivers a heartfelt homily at his farewell Mass at the grand Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore on Sunday, May 4.

A Visit with Bishop Lewandowski

BALTIMORE — About two weeks ago, during his last days as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Providence Bishop-Designate Bruce Lewandowski welcomed Rhode Island Catholic to … more

By Rick Snizek, Executive Editor | 5/21/25

St. Alphonsus Liguori founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, or Redemptorists, in 1732.

Redemptorist roots have brought Bishop Lewandowski closer to Lord and his people

PROVIDENCE — “Go forth and make disciples of all nations.” These were among the last words spoken by Our Lord before ascending into heaven, according to Matthew 28:19. This final … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 5/21/25

Sweet images of Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. in his youth, growing up on a farm outside of Lima, Ohio.

The boy from Ohio: Siblings reflect on Bishop Lewandowski’s childhood days

DETROIT — A large black steed, a Tennessee Walking Horse, cantered back and forth across the fields of a farm outside Lima, Ohio. No saddle, bridle or bit adorned the beast ridden by the boy … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 5/21/25

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Regina Caeli from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 11. Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, O.P., who formerly taught at Providence College, was in St. Peter’s Square to witness the address.

Pope Leo XIV energizes crowd in delivering first Regina Caeli prayer

VATICAN CITY —Three days after stepping out as the newly elected successor to Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV again emerged from behind the red curtains to thunderous applause onto the central … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 5/15/25

Sister Mary Therese O’Malley, OP

WISCONSIN — Sister Mary Therese O’Malley, OP, died May 7, 2025, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Sister Mary Therese was born April 19, 1928, to Nora and Patrick O’Malley in … more

5/15/25

Diocese of Providence announces new Superintendent of Catholic Schools

PROVIDENCE — The Diocese of Providence announces that, with the support of Bishop-Designate Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Reverend Monsignor Albert Kenney, Diocesan Administrator, has … more

5/15/25

Catholic Communications: How the Good News Gets Around in the Diocese

PROVIDENCE — The Catholic Communication Campaign is an annual national collection to support evangelization through the internet, television, radio, and print. In the Diocese of Providence, the … more

5/15/25

Pope Leo XIV held a papal audience for members of the media at the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on Monday, May 12. The pontiff told the media to promote peace in their work and to be careful of the words they use, saying, “We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images,” and to “reject the paradigm of war.”

Pope grants audience to media professionals, urges them to serve truth, promote peace

VATICAN CITY — In an audience on Monday, May 12, with media professionals gathered in Rome to cover the papal conclave, Pope Leo XIV thanked journalists for their tireless efforts, especially … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 5/15/25

Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican as he leads, for the first time, the midday recitation of the "Regina Coeli" prayer May 11, 2025.

Quietly, without flashiness, a disarming Pope Leo strives toward unity

Following the April 21 death of Pope Francis, a great curiosity hovered across the world as the College of Cardinals entered into mourning and prepared to elect a new pope. On May 8, the curiosity … more

By Michael R. Heinlein, OSV News | 5/15/25

St. Alphonsus’ great contributions to the church

When the 10th Bishop of Providence assumes his title next week, not only the traditional letters “D.D.” will follow his name but also the letters “CSsR” will be observed as … more

5/15/25

Pope Leo XIV offers message of peace as faithful in attendance for conclave feel blessed to be part of history

VATICAN CITY — The appearance of white smoke at 6:08 p.m. Thursday from the makeshift chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, followed by the tolling of church bells — signaling that a successor … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 5/15/25

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, smiles as he appears at the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican following his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago.

10 things to know about Pope Leo XIV

As the Catholic Church welcomes its first American pope, here are 10 things to know about Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert F. Prevost. 1. Chicagoan. Pope Leo was born Sept. 14, 1955, and grew … more

By Maria Wiering, OSV News | 5/15/25