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PROVIDENCE—Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence, announced the establishment of a new Vicariate within the Diocese of Providence. The Vicariate for Migrant Solidarity will provide special ministry to immigrants, migrants, refugees, and asylees.
“Through its many parishes, schools, social service programs and outreach, the Diocese of Providence has a long and exemplary history of pastoral care and advocacy for immigrants, migrants, refugees, and asylees. The new Vicariate will continue this work with added emphasis on fostering and nurturing solidarity, that is, a genuine unity that recognizes that in the Family of God, the Church, we are all brothers and sisters. Our migrant brothers and sisters need us now more than ever,” Bishop Lewandowski said.
The Vicariate for Migrant Solidarity is established this week to coincide with the Feast Day of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who is the first U.S. citizen to be canonized and is the patron saint of immigrants. The Vicariate will be led by Rev. Robert Mosher, a Columban Father.
“The Vicariate for Migrant Solidarity is meant to serve the whole Diocese, to ensure not only the pastoral care of migrants, but to bring a greater awareness and understanding of this ministry to those that do not encounter migrants as part of their everyday life”, said Bishop Lewandowski. “I am grateful to Fr. Robert Mosher for agreeing to accept the role of Vicar for Migrant Solidarity. His ministry to migrants and to the Latin American Church makes him the ideal person to lead this new Vicariate.”
The Vicariate for Migrant Solidarity will formalize the work of the Diocesan Migration Commission that was begun by the Diocese of Providence in December of last year. “The new Vicariate will follow the established principals of Prayer, Advocacy, Accompaniment, and Formation,” said Fr. Mosher. "All Catholics, along with all people of good will, will be welcome to join in and support our tasks of solidarity with our migrant neighbor during this difficult time.”
Fr. Mosher also announced that the Vicariate will conduct an upcoming Vicariate Assembly that will address and guide the work of the Vicariate in order to best, “as our Bishops have stated, ‘raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity,’" said Fr. Mosher.
