Stories | Rhode Island Catholic

Father James T. Ruggieri smiles following the celebration of Mass for the students of Bishop McVinney School, Providence, in September 2023.

On a late, cold Saturday afternoon in February, faithful from the surrounding neighborhoods begin to gather at St. Michael’s Parish, in the large, neo-gothic church that stands out in the midst … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 4/18/24

James T. Ruggieri smiles sweetly in a old family photo. His brother John recalls that at a young age, the future bishop knew he wanted to serve the church.

What Makes a Priest a Potential Bishop?

Most Catholics will never know what those at the Vatican look for in a future bishop, but for some, the virtues demonstrated by some priests make it clear that they were destined for a … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 4/18/24

Bishop-elect Ruggieri has left an indelible mark on my priesthood through his fraternal support

Everyone needs a role model. Having had the privilege of living and serving with Bishop-elect Ruggieri for almost four years while co-ministering to the parishioners of St. Patrick and St. Michael … more

4/18/24

The Eternal Shepherd Cherishes his Flock

Travelers through Eastern Europe have often observed primitive huts constructed from corn stalks or sunflower shoots large enough to shelter a farm laborer overnight. Harvesters know that the time … more

4/18/24

St. Patrick Academy in Providence says goodbye to Bishop-elect James T. Ruggieri during his final assembly on Friday, April 5. Students Christopher Garcia ‘27, and Gabriel De La Cruz Viloria ‘25, offer words of thanks to their school’s shepherd.

Goodbyes are bittersweet for St. Patrick Academy as they thank their pastor for his love, dedication

PROVIDENCE — Boxes of tissues were passed around the St. Patrick Academy auditorium at the end of the school day as students, faculty and alumni offered their tearful thanks and emotional … more

By Laura Kilgus, Associate Editor | 4/18/24

More than 1,000 faithful packed the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul for Thursday’s bilingual Votive Mass in thanksgiving to Almighty God and promise of prayer for Bishop-elect James T. Ruggieri who will soon serve as shepherd to the Diocese of Portland, Maine.

More than 1,000 fill cathedral for bilingual Votive Mass to pray for bishop-elect

PROVIDENCE — The Cathedral of SS. Peter and Peter Paul was overflowing with more than 1,000 faithful participating in a bilingual, Farewell Mass for Bishop-elect James T. Ruggieri … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 4/18/24

Special Event Listings for 04.18.24

Afternoon of music at St. Thomas the Apostle Church WARREN — St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Ave., will begin its first of a series of free afternoons of music on April 21. Gary … more

4/18/24

God’s ways are mysterious and marvelous

Last week, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul was packed to overflowing for a Mass of Thanksgiving and farewell with Bishop-elect James Ruggieri. At the reception after the Mass, people waited … more

4/18/24

Keep the Heat On Wraps up 19th season of meeting temporal, spiritual needs of those in greatest need

PROVIDENCE — Last month, a client named “Joanne” called the Diocese of Providence’s Keep the Heat On program for help in getting some oil delivered to heat her home after … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 4/11/24

Lots of Love for The Little Sisters

The Little Sisters of the Poor of Pawtucket held their annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Old Grist Mill Tavern on Monday, March 18. More than 1,000 supporters enjoyed a meal of … more

4/11/24

Preventing Child Abuse is a Sacred Task

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As we raise awareness around the protection of young people, I would like to share with you my own experiences both here in the Diocese of Providence … more

4/11/24

Special Event Listings for 04.11.24

Praise & Worship WAKEFIELD — St. Francis of Assisi Charismatic Prayer Group will host a morning of Praise and Worship on Saturday, April 13, from 9 – 11:30 a.m., in St. Francis of … more

4/11/24

Father Marcel Taillon will serve in this temporary role of vocations director for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA from April 15 through December 15, 2024. As AMS Vocations director, Father Taillon will be in charge of shepherding young men expressing an interest in the priesthood and U.S. Military chaplaincy through the process of discernment and formation.

Father Taillon embraces new ministry as interim vocations director for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

NARRAGANSETT — During Mass in the Easter Season, it is not uncommon to read passages from Acts of the Apostles, which describe the ministry of the early Church. Such readings often emphasize … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 4/11/24

Students at St. Teresa School in Pawtucket enjoy International Night. The evening highlighted various countries chosen by the students who worked to discuss facts about their country, serve their favorite cultural foods, and share the knowledge they learned about their chosen countries with guests.

St. Teresa’s International Night a celebration of diversity, heritage and tradition

PAWTUCKET — On Thursday, April 4, students and families at Saint Teresa School in Pawtucket gathered for the school’s annual International Night. Organized by the International Club, the … more

By Emily Grant, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 4/11/24

Church’s commitment to protecting children and the young is non-negotiable

Amid turmoil and trials, pain and suffering, war and violence, poverty and disease, our world needs a reminder of the hope of the Resurrection, which we just celebrated with exultant joy this Easter. … more

4/11/24

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Easter is truly the most important time of the liturgical year. As Saint John Paul II said, “We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song.” Easter lasts 50 days, from the first … more

4/11/24

God put human salvation ahead of the security of his own Son

Although St. Peter made himself scarce during the hours of Christ’s passion and death, he soon became keenly and sadly aware of the humiliation and suffering that Jesus experienced during his … more

4/11/24

Awareness key to preventing child abuse

PROVIDENCE — Children are a gift to be treasured and cared for, treated with dignity and raised morally. Unfortunately, the reality is that far too many children around the world suffer abuse … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 4/4/24

Celebrating Easter in Rhode Island

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul- Easter Vigil On Saturday, March 30, Catholics gathered at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence for the Easter Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop … more

4/4/24

‘The Outsiders’ plays this weekend at Bishop Hendricken

WARWICK — The Arts at Bishop Hendricken will proudly present The Outsiders as its 2024 spring play from April 5-7, 2024 in the Dr. Daniel S. Harrop Theater on campus. “At its core, The … more

4/4/24