Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Standing with Mary at the Cross

Anytime we stand at the foot of the Cross of Christ we find that we’re not alone. Among others standing there are the Virgin Mary and the Beloved Disciple John. And if we listen attentively we hear … more

4/18/19

Gaze upon Christ in the Eucharist

A number of Catholic and Protestant churches in the Woonsocket area have celebrated Lenten Scripture services weekly for a number of years, thanks largely to the inspiration and coordination of the … more

Fr. John A. Kiley | 4/18/19

The Holding Cross

After a recent diocesan event, a nice young lady approached me and handed me a little cross, a simple wooden cross with smooth, rounded edges, just a few inches long. She explained that her father … more

4/11/19

Penance, fasting, prayer, silence allows us to help people in need

Two enlightening models of the desert/wilderness experience are Blessed Charles deFoucauld, the nineteenth century holy man of the Sahara Dessert, and Father Carlo Carretto, a twentieth century … more

4/11/19

Why Do Catholics Give Up Things?

One of the traditional practices of Catholics is to “give up” things, to fast and abstain from material comforts and personal attachments. Although it should happen throughout the year, … more

4/4/19

Catholic social teaching’s message to the national budget

Thirty plus years ago, the U.S. Catholic bishops wrote a very challenging pastoral letter titled “Economic Justice for All.” In their opening statement they prophetically declared, … more

4/4/19

A life of a solitary prayer and penance

The English word hermit comes from the Greek meaning desert or uninhabited. St. Paul of Thebes, St. Anthony of the Desert and St. Mary of Egypt were among the first Christians to embrace life as … more

4/4/19

The Things We Do for Love

Perhaps you remember a catchy little song from the 1970s, by the British band 10cc, called “The Things We Do for Love.” The whimsical tune describes some of the crazy, unpredictable things … more

3/28/19

Lenten season makes us strong in faith

For many years St. Joseph’s Abbey, the Trappist Monastery at Spencer, M.A., was the site of my annual retreat. Like the monks’ day — early to bed, early to rise — these hours on retreat were … more

Father John A. Kiley | 3/28/19

It’s not just about the frozen embryos

I remember a conversation I had with a married Catholic couple a few years ago. They were feeling lost and desperate over their inability to conceive a child. They were casting about for options. … more

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. | 3/28/19

Servants of the Word

One of the outstanding communities of religious women serving in the Diocese of Providence is named the “Missionary Sisters, Servants of the Word.” The community, based in Mexico, is committed to … more

3/21/19

The radical call of Lent

Imagine you’re sitting in front of your doctor, and he says that your health definitely needs to improve. He then looks you square in the eyes and says, “If you wish to live a healthy … more

Tony Magliano | 3/21/19

‘Personal prayer can have public results’

The appearance of Moses and Elias alongside the transfigured Jesus Christ is most appropriate. These two celebrated Old Testament prophets, like Jesus Christ himself, experienced the inner reality … more

Father John A. Kiley | 3/21/19

No Passwords for Heaven

One of the plagues of our modern, technological society is the need to have and remember passwords. The dreaded passwords are required to log on to your computer, smartphone, social media accounts, … more

3/14/19

The desert experience is an opportunity to encounter God

Henry David Thoreau’s fame rests largely on his wilderness experience along the shores of Waldon Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. Actually Thoreau’s cabin was less than a mile from the center of … more

Fr. John A. Kiley | 3/14/19

The connection between protecting human life and being a champion of the environment

As I write this, the Rhode Island pro-life community is reeling from the passage in our House of Representatives of a bill that would — among other evils — hardwire into state law the … more

By William Patenaude | 3/14/19

The Jesus Fan Club

Recently I made a quick trip to my hometown of Pittsburgh to visit family and friends. One of the rewarding things about my visit was being surrounded once again by the familiar black and gold of the … more

3/7/19

The spiritual challenge of the wilderness experience

The Diocesan Office for Religious sponsors a day of recollection for the congregations of sisters and brothers who staff the schools, nursing facilities, and parish ministries in the Diocese of … more

Fr. John A. Kiley | 3/7/19

Living With Integrity

Recently, two young men identifying as women stood atop Connecticut’s high school podiums after their track victories, putting their competitors in an awkward situation. To grumble against the … more

Genevieve Kineke | 3/7/19

In All Things, God Be Glorified

If you attended a Catholic school, you probably learned the practice of writing “JMJ” at the top of your paper. It was a lovely little reminder to honor Jesus, Mary and Joseph every day, and to … more

2/28/19