Rhode Island Catholic

Every person has a deep inner need for a place to call home

One of the unique gospel stories is that of the tax collector called Zacchaeus, a short guy who became intrigued by Jesus. When Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming to Jericho, he climbed a tree to … more

11/17/22

In his previous assignment as a U.S. Army chaplain at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Father Luke Willenberg wishes a group of female soldiers in Basic Training Godspeed as they climb aboard a Chinook helicopter for a flight.

Saluting an Army chaplain's service to God and Country

PROVIDENCE — As much as Father Lukasz J. Willenberg misses being part of a regular parish family back home in the Diocese of Providence, where he served as assistant pastor at St. Luke Church … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 11/10/22

Olivia Marcoux, at left, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church and a student at Mount Saint Charles Academy, was one of two selected to deliver a message about the concerns of youth in the United States in a face-to-face visit with Pope Francis on October 12 in Rome.

Rhode Island teen honored to speak with Pope Francis about the concerns of youth in America

PROVIDENCE — With 11 other youths from around the United States, 16-year-old Olivia Marcoux of Rhode Island recently found herself with a grand view of Saint Peter’s Basilica, surrounded … more

By Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor | 11/10/22

Father Damian Marie Day, O. P., (Joseph Michael Day), son of Liz and Fred Day of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and valedictorian of Providence College’s Class of 2015, was ordained a Roman Catholic priest with the Dominican Order on May 21 at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. by Archbishop Augustine Di Noia, O.P.

Carrying the Torch: Providence College Experiences Surge in Dominican Vocation

PROVIDENCE — It might not seem noteworthy at first to suggest that Providence College has been producing a lot of Friars lately — the school has been graduating them by the classful ever … more

By DANIEL J. HOLMES, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/10/22

The Office of Faith Formation’s 2022 Women’s Conference featured presentations by Pat Gohn, pictured, a national Catholic speaker, author, podcaster, and editor of “Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions;” as well as Sister Josemaría Pence, O.P., Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia of Nashville, Tennessee, and principal of St. Pius V School, Providence.

Annual Women’s Conference focuses on Christ’s presence in the Eucharist

PROVIDENCE — On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Office of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Providence organized its annual Rhode Island Catholic Women’s Conference. The theme for the event was … more

By COLE DeSANTIS, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/10/22

How We Honor The Faithful Departed

One of the endearing qualities of Catholics is that we have great reverence and affection for our loved ones who have died. This is true throughout the year but especially in November, the month … more

11/10/22

Faithful Friends are Beyond Price

The Book of Sirach chronicles various types of friends. The inspired author notes, “There are friends when it suits them; but they will not be around in time of trouble … [but] faithful … more

11/10/22

All Leaders – Including Politicians – Must Speak the Truth

A striking image confronts every priest who exits the sacristy of St. Peter’s Basilica before celebrating Mass. Roncalli’s “Altar of the Lie” depicts an authoritative St. … more

11/10/22

Apocalypses have always been portrayed as a contrast between present evil and future glory

The 45 books in the Old Testament and the 27 books in the New Testament include works of poetry, history, letters, narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, even novels, and of course the Gospels. The … more

11/10/22

Special Event Listings for 11.10.22

Mass for Veterans Day CRANSTON — Mass for Veterans Day will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 11, at 12:05 p.m., at Saint Paul Church, One Saint Paul Place. The Mass, celebrated by Father Thomas … more

11/10/22

Seminarian Aidan Blanchette prays the Rosary in his home parish of St. John Paul II in Pawtucket.

Vocations Awareness Month begins in the diocese with a focus on the Eucharist

PROVIDENCE — It’s late afternoon on Thursday. The golden rays of the setting sunshine through the stained glass windows of the chapel at Our Lady of Providence seminary, a brick, … more

By COLE DeSANTIS, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/3/22

Pope Francis embraces a baby as he leaves an audience Oct. 29, 2022, at the Vatican with members of the young adult section of Italy's Catholic Action.

Pope: Parishes are essential places for growing in faith

VATICAN CITY —The COVID-19 pandemic has weakened many parishes, but that community “in the midst of homes, in the midst of people,” is still an essential place for nourishing and … more

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service | 11/3/22

Bishop François Elias Beyrouti performs a traditional Melkite blessing using candlesticks known as a dikerlon and trikerlon. The first, with two candles, represents the union of man and God in Christ; the other, with three candles, symbolizes the Trinity. Fourth Degree members of the State Jursidiction of the Knights of Columbus stand at attention in the foreground.

St. Basil Church welcomes new Melkite Bishop

LINCOLN — On Sunday, Oct. 30, the St. Basil the Great Church in Lincoln welcomed His Grace, Bishop François Beyrouti, for his first pastoral visit as the newly-enthroned Eparch of … more

By DANIEL J. Holmes, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 11/3/22

Father Edward Sousa installed at St. Sebastian Church

PROVIDENCE — St. Sebastian Parish welcomed its new pastor, Father Edward Sousa on Sunday, Oct. 16. Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans celebrated Holy Mass at the church and officially installed … more

11/3/22

Special Event Listing for 11.03.22

Bingo Night BRISTOL — Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, 127 State St., will host a Bingo Night fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Msgr. Lolio Parish Center. The event is 18+ and offers all … more

11/3/22

Our Most Important Inheritance

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” … more

11/3/22

Local link of national Life Chain peacefully, prayerfully stands up for unborn

Throughout Rhode Island and the nation, many lined the streets and sidewalks to peacefully and prayerfully stand up for all human life at the annual Life Chain event, including here at St. Philip … more

11/3/22

Love of God and his favored graces is the source of all authentic religion

No, the Maccabees did not run a funeral home on Pine Street in Pawtucket. That family was the McAloons. The Biblical name Maccabee, loosely translated “hammer” denoting ferocity in … more

11/3/22

Thank God for Purgatory!

The very fact that we have an All Souls’ Day on the liturgical calendar of the Church reminds us of the importance of praying for the dead. It also serves to remind us that Purgatory is real … more

11/3/22

The Pride of the Pharisee, and the Pride of Some of our Candidates for Public Office

At Mass a couple of Sundays ago, we heard the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The Pharisee is rightly criticized by commentators and homilists for his pride, which was clearly … more

11/3/22