WARWICK —Father Robert L. Marciano, former pastor of Sts. Rose and Clement Church in Warwick was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the National Guard during ceremonies held April 7 at Warwick City Hall.
With a strong history of service in the priesthood and in the military, he graduated from Providence College in May 1979 and in April 1980 he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves. Ordained in 1983, Father Marciano now serves as senior pastor to more than 107,000 men and women and their families of the National Guard.
Father Marciano was supported by a full room of family, friends, former parishioners and brother priests. The celebration began with the voices of the Hendricken High School boys choir led by Chorus Director Mary Jo Gambardella. Father Marciano told the boys that they bring hope and promise to the state and to the diocese by “raising our voices and our hearts.”
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin led the ceremony with a prayer asking God to bless the community, Father Marciano and other leaders who serve with compassion and integrity.
“Bless and reward his service to our nation and to our Church,” said Bishop Tobin. “May he always be a shining example of faith and an effective instrument of grace to others.”
Mayor Scott Avedisian welcomed guests and said that Father Marciano has been a very important influence on the community for many years.
“Everything that has happened in this community over the past decade you were intricately involved in,” said Avedisian. “Whether it be in the aftermath of September 11th or the post-Station fire. The work that Father Marciano does is a source of inspiration and a great source of strength to all of us.”
Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Flaherty added that it is no surprise that they were called to celebrate the promotion of Father Marciano to full Colonel.
“We who know you best are confident that apart from the lure of Washington D.C., and the power of rank, you remain first and foremost a priest,” said Justice Flaherty.
“We who have been fortunate to have had you march through our lives, baptizing our babies, marrying our children, and burying our beloved dead, pause to congratulate you on this great achievement.”
Major General Robert T. Bray, Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard, administered the oath of office. He explained that it is more than just words, but an oath for which many have offered their lives.
“While a Chaplain will not bear arms, they are truly leaders,” said Bray. “It is the spiritual well-being that guides them along the hard path to do their duties, not only to service those in uniform but also their families. It is not an insignificant event to do this work and he has with character and expertise. It will be a great honor and privilege to promote him to Colonel.”
Father Marciano expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, honored guests, and brother priests for their friendship, prayers and support. He also thanked Bishop Tobin for his kindness and confidence that allows him to serve the spiritual needs of the military scattered around the world. He also thanked his father,?Albert Marciano, for inspiring him and for making him proud to be his son.
Father Marciano’s brother, Alfred T. Marciano of Warwick, was deeply moved by his brother’s promotion and thanked the guests after the ceremony for all of their support and prayers.
“We are all so proud of him,” he said. “This was quite an honor.”
Father Marciano emphasized: “As wonderful as all of this is, and as proud as I am to wear this uniform, and most especially the cross that is pinned to the front of it, and as grateful as I am to you for allowing me to say, with all due respect, these honors do not belong to me. It really belongs to you — all of you who are here today.”
Father Marciano’s niece, Mary Marciano, a senior at St. Mary Academy-Bay View, noted how proud she was to be present at the promotion to celebrate and support her uncle.
“He is such an amazing man,” she said. “He has always done so much for everyone.”
Concluding, Father Marciano reminded his guests of the faith that God gave them, and how he asked nothing more than for his children to use the gifts and the talents to strive to make this world a better place for the future.
“May the good Lord smile upon us all,” said Father Marciano. “I am ever grateful to be honored with this. May God bless this state, the great city of Warwick, and all its people.”
