Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Unity in what?

Among the many urgent questions raised by the Synods on the Family in 2014 and 2015 and the current Synod on Synodality – questions that will inevitably bear on the next papal conclave – … more

5/23/24

Remembering Father Reardon

TO THE EDITOR: Woonsocket mourns the loss of Father Dennis Reardon, who passed away on March 21. His life was a beacon of compassion, dedication, and faith, deeply influencing our community. … more

5/23/24

Salve Regina University graduates process past Ochre Court as they make their way on campus to the 74th Commencement in Newport.

Salve Regina graduates told to embrace the unexpected as they begin life journeys

NEWPORT — Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong, Salve Regina University president, on Sunday conferred 530 bachelor’s degrees upon the Class of 2024. A separate ceremony was held Thursday, May 16, for … more

5/23/24

Active and retired members of the various Rhode Island fire departments gather with local politicians and the families of fallen firefighters to celebrate the service of those who died in the line of duty.

Honoring our fallen heroes

EXETER — Bishop Richard G. Henning, whose father was a New York City firefighter, delivered the invocation and some personal remarks on Saturday, May 11, during an annual memorial in honor of … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 5/16/24

This is an updated map showing the four routes of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to the National Eucharistic Congress in 2024. Participants in the National Eucharistic Congress and related National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will have opportunities to receive plenary indulgences, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, announced April 9, 2024.

Planning To Join Up With The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage? Here’s What You Need To Know

(OSV News) — There are hundreds of opportunities for Catholics to join the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for Mass, adoration, processions and other events. However, casually meeting up with … more

By Maria Wiering, OSV News | 5/16/24

This is the cover of "The Popes on Air," an extensively researched history of Vatican Radio from its modest beginnings to the end of World War II, which captures the Holy See's dilemma in leading the Catholic Church in the age of Fascist and totalitarian governments in Europe.

‘Popes on Air’ highlights unique challenges and legacy of Vatican Radio

Readers looking for exoneration of Pope Pius XII for his “silence” about the Holocaust (Shoah) during World War II might be disappointed with this new release from Fordham University … more

By Mike Mastromatteo, OSV News | 5/16/24

Senate hears bill to solidify R.I.’s status as a sanctuary state for abortion, transgender care

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Senate voted 29 to 7 on Thursday, May 2, in favor of Bill SB2262, also known as the Healthcare Provider Shield … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 5/16/24

Faithful and clergy gather at the cathedral for the Men of St. Joseph International’s 14th Annual Men’s Conference. Joseph Men’s Conference.

Men of St. Joseph gather for annual conference

PROVIDENCE — The Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul hosted the annual Men of St. Joseph Internationals’s 14th annual Men’s Conference on Saturday, May 4. The event was organized by the … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic correspondent | 5/16/24

Assignments 05.16.24

RETIRING FROM ACTIVE MINISTRY Reverend Norman W. Bourdon, from Pastor, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Cumberland, to Pastor Emeritus, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Cumberland, effective June 30, 2024 Reverend … more

5/16/24

“A sower went out to sow…”

I would like to express belated best wishes to all of the good mothers and grandmothers of our parishes and schools. I hope that Mother’s Day was a joyful celebration of gratitude to mothers … more

5/16/24

Special Event Listings for 05.16.24

Special information session planned for diocesan pilgrimage to the National Eucharistic Congress CRANSTON — Interested to learn more about the once in a lifetime diocesan Pilgrimage to the … more

5/16/24

In today’s world, the sacred is often overwhelmed by the secular

The Second Vatican Council, the first council in Church history even to mention the word “laity,” rightly has shed much light on the assorted vocations and ministries open to all Roman … more

5/16/24

Against cosmic melancholia

On September 5, 1977, “Voyager 1,” built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was launched from Cape Canaveral atop a Titan IIIE rocket. It’s still going, almost forty-seven … more

5/16/24

Fallout effects from the Population Drought

In 1968, Paul Ehrlich wrote a book titled “The Population Bomb.” In it he predicted that hundreds of millions of people would starve to death in the 1970s and 80s due to overpopulation. … more

5/16/24

The Complementarity of Motherhood and Priesthood

Mother’s Day gives us a chance to reflect on the meaning of motherhood. God created man and woman as complementary with each other. It should be no surprise that there would be similarities … more

5/16/24

On Tuesday, May 7, Bishop James T. Ruggieri was ordained and installed as the 13th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine. Boston Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, OFM Cap., was principal consecrator, with retiring Portland Bishop Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., and Providence Bishop Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., co-consecrators. Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, read the official mandate from Pope Francis.

Humble Providence Priest Ordained Bishop of Portland

PORTLAND, Maine — For a priest who eschewed the spotlight as he ministered to the poor in myriad ways, Bishop James T. Ruggieri appeared very humbled as he processed into the Cathedral of … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 5/9/24

Blessed are You, Lord God of All Creation

“Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of … more

5/9/24

Special Event Listings for 05.09.24

Are You Called to be a Deacon? RHODE ISLAND — Deacons are men who love God and love the Church; they feel called to serve in a more committed way. The role of the deacon is to be a helper of … more

5/9/24

The Ascension is the beginning of Jesus’ heavenly ministry

The Ascension of Jesus Christ into heavenly glory was not so much the conclusion of his earthly ministry as it was the beginning of his heavenly ministry. Jesus in heaven is still the mediator … more

5/9/24

Happy Mother’s Day to our Queen of Heaven

Many of my family members had a devotion to the Virgin Mary. My late grandmother would constantly request Our Lady’s intercession and would often fall asleep at night while praying the Rosary. … more

5/9/24