Bishop Evans marks milestone birthday

Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans celebrated his 75th birthday last week with a pair of events to mark the occasion. On his birthday, Friday, Sept. 2, Bishop Evans was the principal celebrant at a Mass for the opening of the school year at Our Lady of Mercy School, East Greenwich. At the end of the Mass, Our Lady of Mercy pastor, the Very Rev. Bernard A. Healey, presented the bishop with a gift, thanking him for all the support he has given to the school community through the years.

On Sept. 1, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin marked Bishop Robert C. Evans’ 75th birthday by hosting a gathering for cake in his chancery office. During the party, Bishop Tobin offered his birthday wishes and prayers for Bishop Evans, thanking him for his many years of service to the Diocese of Providence.

“We come together to wish you a happy birthday and to thank God for the gifts and blessings he has given to you over the years and pray that God blesses you abundantly in the days and years to come. We thank you for the wonderful service you have given and will continue to give to the Church in the Diocese of Providence.”

Bishop Evans is the seventh and current auxiliary bishop to serve in the Diocese of Providence.

“The ministry of a bishop as well as that of a priest is not measured in terms of achievements or successes, but is understood only in the language of faith, hope and love,” Bishop Evans said when Pope Benedict XVI appointed him in 2009.

At the age of 75, bishops are required to submit a letter of retirement to the Pope. Bishop Evans told Rhode Island Catholic Friday that he has sent his letter to the Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, D.C., for acceptance by the Holy Father.