JERUSALEM — Ben Amir was born in Los Angeles, California, of Israeli parents, who moved back with their family to Israel when he was 12. He had a good life working for a car importer in the … more

A recent headline in a Catholic website caught my attention: “Trust evaporating – Poll finds clergy trustworthiness slips precipitously.” The poll surveyed attitudes about the clergy in Canada. According to the survey, 61 percent of Canadians trust church representatives, far below the 97 percent who trust firefighters and the 94 percent who trust nurses. The good news in this poll, if there is any, is that clergy still rank above the pollsters themselves (59 percent), journalists (48 percent) and politicians (just 15 percent). Small comfort it seems. more

Every year I get a Christmas card from Darryl in which he encloses a personal little reflection about experiences of the past year or the meaning of Christmas. His comments are always beautifully written and insightful, profound even, and this year was no exception. more

While much needed attention is being given to refugees flowing from war-torn Syria, one desperately suffering Middle East nation is barely a blip on the developed world’s radar screen. more

The most perplexing aspect of the arguments surrounding abortion are the fundamental inconsistencies. After years of pushing for access to contraceptives and abortions, the proponents of the sexual … more

Deacon Mark Gadoury to be ordained to the priesthood on June 4PROVIDENCE — The Ordination of Deacon Mark Gadoury will take place on Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m., at the Cathedral of Saints Peter … more

PROVIDENCE — Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has appointed Father Mark G. Gadoury to serve as State Chaplain to the Knights of Columbus, R.I. Council, effective Nov. 1. Father Gadoury, who was ordained … more

PROVIDENCE — Not every architectural firm can claim credit for a cathedral-sized restoration project. Even more impressive is when that project nets two prestigious awards. DBVW Architects, the … more

Celebrate the Centennial of the Shrine of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus HARRISVILLE — On Aug. 20, at noon, former Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans will celebrate a jubilee Mass and … more

Do you have doubts, or do you simply have difficulties? People will sometimes say that they have doubts about certain teachings of the Catholic Faith. It might concern something strictly theological, … more

A peculiar idea that surfaces from time to time is the notion that Jesus Christ never intended to found an actual Church. A few have proposed over the years that Jesus came simply to announce a Gospel of salvation and reconciliation. more

Dear High School Graduate: I’d like to take a couple of minutes to share a few personal reflections and suggestions that you might think about at this important time in your life. I write as … more

At her final appearance to the children at Fatima, the Blessed Virgin Mary confidently and reassuringly declared, “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.” When the turmoil of the past one … more

Portsmouth — Under bright blue skies Saturday about 225 students from 15 Catholic elementary and high schools across the diocese stretched out on the lawn at St. Philomena School of the Sacred … more

CUMBERLAND — The parishioners were starved for beauty and seeking as they listened to the pastor of Saint Joan of Arc, in Cumberland, on a recent Wednesday. The pastor, Father Norman Bourdon, … more

There are several incidents in the Gospels in which Jesus cured the blind and allowed them to see. These miracles are among the most dramatic miracles that Jesus performed, for they completely … more

I can remember driving through Narragansett in the backseat of my parents’ car and seeing a strange van passing by with peculiar images draped across the sides. Even though I don’t … more

One standard of the Christmas season for both the secular and the believing worlds is an annual performance of George Frederick Handel’s oratorio, “The Messiah.” The Boston Symphony … more

Cookie Sale scheduled JOHNSTON — The bakers of St. Brigid Church, 1231 Plainfield St., will present colorful homemade cookies for sale following Masses on the weekend of March 23. The sale will be held following the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, March 23 and the 8 and 10 a.m. Masses on Sunday March 24. Trays may be reserved by calling Anna at 944-3645, or Angela at 944-3945. more

The readings for daily Mass this week have been taken from the Book of Tobit, one of the most colorful and interesting books of the Bible. (And by the way, that’s Tobit, not Tobin!) According to … more