Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Pope Francis, seated in a wheelchair, is lifted aboard his overnight flight from Rome’s Fiumicino airport to Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 2, 2024. This marks the start of his 45th international trip, the longest of his papacy.

Pope sets off on longest trip of his pontificate

ROME (CNS) — Traveling on an ITA Airways plane, Pope Francis set off on the longest foreign trip of his papacy. The plane carrying the pope, top Vatican officials and about 75 journalists took … more

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service | 9/5/24

Providence College's varsity athletics program has annual impact of $100.3 million on the state of Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE — Providence College (PC) released the results of an economic impact study conducted for Providence College Athletics. PC Athletics commissioned the study to assess the economic and … more

9/5/24

With each child, parents need to find a special place

I am currently reading “The Yellow Feather Mystery” with my 7-year-old. Maybe you’ve heard of it. It’s Volume 33 in the Hardy Boys mystery series -- and we are in possession … more

By Gretchen R. Crowe | 9/5/24

Honoring Human Dignity is a Divine Mandate

Persons may foolishly lose their dignity through sinning. The light-fingered store clerk, the unfaithful spouse, the dishonest professional, and, yes, the negligent clergyman have only themselves to … more

9/5/24

Special Event Listings for 08.22.24

Clam Cake and Chowder fundraiser CUMBERLAND — The Knights of Columbus St. John Vianney Council #12312 will hold a Clam Cake and Chowder fundraiser on August 24 courtesy of Mickey G’s The … more

8/22/24

Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning takes part in the annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, July 27 in Narragansett. The special event was hosted by the Narragansett Lions Club.

Blessing of the Fleet continues a long maritime tradition in R.I.

NARRAGANSETT — On the sunny, late July morning people walked up and down the boardwalk along Salty Brine Beach, while others sat on the shore or browsed among the many stores and restaurants … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 8/22/24

The Catholic Chaplaincy Office of the Diocese of Providence provides spiritual support to all inmates through religious services, above; bible study; prayer groups; and one-on-one pastoral counseling.

Although behind bars, inmates are not beyond prayers

CRANSTON — What does it mean for a person in jail to know that someone outside their four walls is praying for them? One inmate, Jose, … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 8/22/24

Portuguese Cultural tradition: Parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Providence gather together to participate in the celebrations surrounding their parochial feast.

Our Lady of the Rosary Feast a longtime tradition for Portuguese community

PROVIDENCE — The annual Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Feast began on a bittersweet note this year, with Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning’s pastoral visit coming shortly after the … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 8/22/24

Faithful Citizenship, Part 2

Last week, Salve Regina University rented space for a high-end political fundraiser on the campus in Newport. I only learned of the decision on the night before the event while away on retreat. I … more

8/22/24

The Holy Eucharist: ‘The’ Test of Faith

Dr. Tim Gray, the current president of the Augustine Institute, has said that “The Eucharist is the test of faith.” This insight is illustrated clearly and powerfully in the final verses … more

8/22/24

Repurposing the Catholic Campaign for Human Development

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), rhetorically oversold as the “U.S. Church’s anti-poverty program” – Do no other such programs exist? – was an … more

8/22/24

The power of Mary’s intercession

While women could inherit queenship by birth in a few of the northern European nations like Britain, the Netherlands and Scandinavia, the Mediterrean and Eastern European nations tended to view … more

8/22/24

Assignments for 08.22.24

REAPPOINTMENTS On July 1, 2024, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law and the Priest Personnel Policy of the Diocese of Providence, the Most Reverend Richard G. Henning appointed the following … more

8/22/24

On Monday morning, the Holy Father announced that he has named the Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., as the tenth bishop and seventh Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap introduced the Archbishop-elect during a press conference at the archdiocese’s Pastoral Center in Braintree following a Mass at Bethany Chapel.

Pope Francis appoints Most Rev. Richard G. Henning as Archbishop of Boston

BRAINTREE — It was a different feeling in the room this time as Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning was elevated to a new position within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church for the second … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 8/8/24

Garret Quillen, right, introduces Charles Blackwell to the Mass being offered by now-Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning at the Omni Severin Hotel in Indianapolis during the National Eucharistic Congress.

Seeds of faith continue to grow following National Eucharistic Congress

INDIANAPOLIS — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 Fruitful stories from the National … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 8/8/24

Special Event Listings for 08.08.24

Faith on Fire GREENVILLE — Young adults (ages 18-29) are invited to an evening around the fire Friday, Aug. 9, 7- 9 p.m., at St. Philip Church, which includes a talk from a local … more

8/8/24

The Gift of Providence

By now, you have seen the news that the Holy Father has appointed me the next Archbishop of Boston. Of course, I am grateful to the Holy Father for his confidence in me and for entrusting this … more

8/8/24

Anointing of the Sick offers prayers for healing, preparation for next life

St. John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801-1890) was indeed a grand preacher as well as great writer. Along with his profound theological utterances and writings, a few private prayers of the English … more

8/8/24

Charity, good manners, and driving the Interstates

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says some interesting things about charity, the supreme theological virtue that, as St. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:14, “binds everything together in perfect … more

8/8/24

Overview of the Trocadero venue, with the Eiffel Tower looming in the background while the Olympic flag is being raised July 26, during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

What does mocking Christ’s Last Supper have to do with the Olympics?

The 2024 Olympics in Paris began with a loud bang. Unfortunately, it was a bang against Christianity! In the opulent and overblown opening ceremony, the centerpiece of the many performances was a … more

By Father Bernard A. Healey | 8/8/24