Rhode Island Catholic

Defending life entails condemning moral evils while supporting the dignity of men and women

When Gloria Purvis addressed Human Life Guild participants at McVinney Auditorium as a special 150th anniversary speaker, she left many in tears. Forthright and delightfully compelling, … more

10/28/21

Blessed Carlo Acutis: An Inspiration for Young People

Carlo Acutis was only 15-years-old when he died of leukemia in 1996. His mother has described him as “a normal boy in many ways” but “very obedient” and “very … more

10/21/21

‘Follow the Science,’ but with proper qualifications

In dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, many of our civil leaders have urged us to “follow the science.” So have many doctors and health care workers. This past July, for example, the … more

10/21/21

A rare view of the original Church of SS. Peter and Paul, one of the early stone churches built in Providence, where Mass was first celebrated on March 10, 1837. The cornerstone was laid on the site 41 years later, on Nov. 28, 1878, for the current Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul.

History of Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul makes it a fitting centerpiece for anniversary observance

The decision to open the diocese’s observance of the 150th anniversary of its establishment by holding a ceremony in honor of Mary, the Mother of God, in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul … more

10/14/21

We need to work for a living

Revelation teaches that work is an obligation. Furthermore, man must work to develop and fulfill his humanity. St. John Paul II in his encyclical “Centesimus annus” writes, “A … more

10/7/21

Bishop Georg Bätzing, president of the German bishops' conference, is pictured at the annual St. Michael's reception in Berlin Sept. 27, 2021.

The Germans Misunderstand Synodality

On October 2, Bishop Georg Bätzing and Thomas Sternberg announced the extension of the controversial German Catholic Church’s “Synodal Way.” Just prior to the extension the … more

10/7/21

Images of Christ and Our Lady of Guadalupe are pictured as Haitian migrants seeking refuge in the U.S., choose donated clothes outside a shelter in Monterrey, Mexico, Sept. 28, 2021.

Immigration Bureaucracy Needs to Change

Last May, four sitting pastors in the Diocese of Burlington resigned their parishes after their religious worker visas expired. Although the diocese dutifully applied for permanent residency (Green … more

9/30/21

Rep. Langevin Defies Logic with Abortion Stance

On September 24, Rep. James Langevin (D-RI) voted to codify abortion protections in federal law. In a public statement, the congressman chastises “extremist” state legislators for … more

9/30/21

The Sordid ‘Philosophy’ of the 9/11 Terrorists

In the aftermath of the 20th anniversary of the sad and tragic events of September 11, 2001, it’s important to reflect not only on the horrific actions of the terrorists themselves, but also on … more

9/23/21

The Truth about Junipero Serra

Archbishops Jose Gomez of Los Angeles and Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco co-authored an op-ed piece that appeared recently in the Wall Street Journal. Their purpose was to address the current … more

9/23/21

As we mark 20 years since the 9/11 attacks, the world is still much in need of healing

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, our participation in the Mass reminds us that the world is still much in need of healing. We are in need of healing from hatred, anger, rage, … more

9/16/21

Texas Heartbeat Act a major victory for the pro-life cause

On September 1, the Texas Heartbeat Act went into effect. This law bans abortions in the state once ultrasound can detect “cardiac motion” in the embryo. Such motion typically begins … more

9/9/21

The Pope is correct in asserting that the Torah does not give life in same way Christ does

In his general audience on August 11 Pope Francis presented a catechesis on the Letter to the Galatians. Following Paul, he explained: “The Law [Torah], however, does not give life, it does not … more

9/9/21

Time to Return to Normalcy

In December 2019, when news of a novel coronavirus outbreak in China reached the West, officials feared the worst: a global pandemic which could infect millions and destabilize international … more

9/2/21

We Need Time and Patience to Interpret Church Laws

The Catholic legal tradition offers perennial wisdom to legislator and layman alike. The Church has long safeguarded justice for its members by adopting Roman principles of law within a theological … more

9/2/21

Disney’s Attempt to Normalize Transgenderism

In a blatant attempt to normalize transgenderism in the minds of small children, Disney recently aired an episode of its “Muppet Babies” series entitled “Gonzorella.” Loosely … more

8/19/21

Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines poses with her gold medal and Miraculous Medal after winning the gold in women's weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics July 26, 2021. Diaz became the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal winner, set an Olympic record -- and thanked her friends who prayed the Miraculous Medal novena.

Faith-filled Olympians

In every Olympics there are Catholic participants who find strength and meaning in their faith — and this year’s summer games in Tokyo were no exception. Although you would never know … more

8/19/21

Putting supernatural faith in mere mortals is a recipe for disaster

I was pleasantly surprised to hear of a new movie that debuted a few weeks ago at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s a French biographical drama called “Onoda - 10,000 Nights in the … more

8/5/21

Is the End of Hyde in Sight?

Recently the House Appropriations Committee approved the federal fiscal budget for 2022. The budget omitted both the Hyde Amendment and the Weldon Amendment. The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal … more

7/22/21

Bishops to determine ability of priests to celebrate Mass in extraordinary form

Pope Francis last week released his motu proprio “Traditionis Custodes.” In it he revokes many of the permissions granted by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s motu proprio Summorum … more

7/22/21