Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Pope Francis appoints Most Rev. Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. the tenth Bishop of Providence

It is with great joy we share that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bruce Alan Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., as the tenth Bishop of Providence! Bishop … more

4/8/25

‘Today, I give you my heart,’ Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., tells Rhode Islanders following his official appointment as the tenth Bishop of Providence

Tenth bishop of Providence appointed, seeks closeness with his flock on the journey

PROVIDENCE — There were several emotion-filled moments Tuesday as Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Bruce Alan Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., took to the podium only four hours after being named by Pope … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 4/8/25

Rhode Island Catholic wins two more New England Press Association awards

PORTLAND, Maine — On Saturday, March 29, the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) presented awards across 35 categories, highlighting the top newspaper and online news sites … more

4/3/25

Special Event Listing for 04.03.25

Archbishop Richard G. Henning to celebrate Chrism Mass PROVIDENCE — All are invited to attend the Chrism Mass on Monday, April 14, 6 p.m., at the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul. The … more

4/3/25

Carmela Mancuso joins hundreds of people in praying the rosary for Pope Francis' health in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican March 14, 2025. Just before leaving the hospital March 23, Pope Francis pointed to Mancuso in the crowd at Rome's Gemelli hospital, carrying a bouquet of yellow flowers.

Pope’s return from hospital coincides with Vatican conference on aging

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Even though its focus was mainly scientific, a Vatican-sponsored conference on aging and longevity could not ignore the ongoing convalescence of 88-year-old Pope Francis. … more

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service | 4/3/25

Opening our hearts to divine grace

The Hebrew Scriptures do not mince their words when it comes to the punishment suitable for adultery. The Book of Leviticus, reflecting the traditions of the southern Jews in Judea, clearly provides … more

4/3/25

Loving sinners, admonishing sin

Matthew, Zaccheus, Mary Magdalene, the woman at the well, the one caught in adultery, the sinful woman at the house of Simon the Pharisee, tax collectors, sinners, and Samaritans: the list of … more

By Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, OSV News | 4/3/25

Diocese of Providence finances in 'solid financial shape' following annual audit

PROVIDENCE — The Diocese of Providence finished the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, in a sound financial position, with total diocesan assets up $19 million over the previous year, and a … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 4/3/25

RI Right to Life sonographer Tracy Laberge tests the new machine by performing an ultrasound on fellow staff member Alex Bergeron, who is pregnant, as Father Mark Gadoury, Knights of Columbus state chaplain, and State Deputy Joseph Carrignan look on. The Knights of Columbus donated the $32,500 machine to RIRTL.

Knights donate new ultrasound machine to RIRTL

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island State Council of the Knights of Columbus has donated a new ultrasound machine to Rhode Island Right to Life to assist the organization in its mission to protect … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 4/3/25

Rt. Reverend Exarch Joseph S. Haggar

LINCOLN — Rt. Reverend Exarch Joseph S. Haggar, better known as “Father Joe,” passed away peacefully early Sunday morning March, 23, on the third Sunday of Lent and the Veneration … more

4/1/25

Inside St. Pius V Parish in Providence. They’re offering confessions from now until Easter seven days a week.

Parish aims to bring Catholics to confession during Lent through 'House of Mercy' campaign

PROVIDENCE — St. Pius V Parish is providing a unique opportunity this Lent for all who wish to confess their sins, thanks to a Dominican priest with a special mission straight from the Vatican. … more

By Allison Shinskey, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/27/25

An image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is seen near the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican prior to the start of a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on her feast day, Dec. 12, 2024.

'Groundbreaking Perspective' of Guadalupe apparition offered at upcoming presentation

PROVIDENCE — The vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe prompts fascination and curiosity in Catholics throughout Mexico and the U.S. How was the Patroness of the Americas able to convert … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/27/25

Massimiliano Strappetti, the nurse who is Pope Francis' primary medical caregiver at the Vatican, adjusts a microphone for the pope as he greets a crowd of well-wishers at Rome's Gemelli hospital before returning to the Vatican March 23, 2025.

Pope knew he 'might not make it,' physician says

ROME — For Pope Francis’ medical team at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Feb. 28 was the worst day. “For the first time I saw tears in the eyes of some of the people around … more

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service | 3/27/25

Father Louis T. Natalizia

PAWTUCKET — Reverend Louis T. Natalizia, 76, Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary Parish, Pawtucket, died March 16, 2025. Born in Providence, son of the late Emanuel and Ann (Agnoli) Natalizia, he … more

3/27/25

Father Paul J. Laporte

CUMBERLAND — Father Paul J. Laporte, 85, passed away at Mount St. Rita Health Centre in Cumberland after a brief illness, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Born in Central Falls, he was a son of the … more

3/27/25

Ann Marie Raspallo

CRANSTON — Ann Marie (Peters) Raspallo, 81, of Cranston, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Deacon Thomas R. … more

3/27/25

The Powerful Example of King Baudouin

In all likelihood, you’ve never heard of him. His name was Baudouin, and he ruled the people of Belgium as their king for 42 years—from 1951-1993—except for 36 hours in April of … more

3/27/25

Lenten Books for Children and Adults

Since our oldest was a baby, we would spend hours reading. Now that said oldest is more than half-way to adulthood (gulp!) I treasure all the times that we spent snuggling together with our favorite … more

3/27/25

The everyday availability of God to the average believer must never be discounted

The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, was at one time the residence and home of the Russian Czars. Over the centuries the massive building also became the residence and home of some of the … more

3/27/25

A medical professional speaks with a patient during an ultra sound examination.

Unlike IVF, natural conception is 'waiting for the surprise gift of a new person'

Editor’s Note: This article is the second in a series on the Catholic viewpoints of reproductive technology. PROVIDENCE — In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has recently made big news as a … more

By KATHLEEN TROOST-CRAMER, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/27/25