Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

A rosary hangs from a cross at a makeshift memorial in Minneapolis Jan. 25, 2026, at the site where a man was fatally shot by federal agents trying to detain him. The Department of Homeland Security said Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, had a handgun and approached Border Patrol officers during a targeted operation Jan. 24.

Twin Cities Catholics Gather to Pray for Peace and Immigrant Neighbors

ST. PAUL, Minn. — After a second fatal shooting in January involving federal agents in Minneapolis during an increase in federal immigration enforcement, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda presided over … more

By Joe Ruff, OSV NEWS | 1/29/26

At 98 years old, Coach Francis McGuire’s greatest legacy isn’t found in his win-loss record, but in the decades he spent teaching young athletes in the Diocese of Providence how to live as faithful Christians.

At 98, Coach Francis McGuire Reflects on a Lifetime of Faith, Football

WARWICK—Coach Francis McGuire has a unique perspective on the Diocese of Providence, having lived through almost two-thirds of the diocese’s 155-year history. For the former athletes he coached … more

By DANIEL J. HOLMES, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/29/26

Hundreds Gather for School Choice Fair to Explore K-12 Options

WARWICK — Hundreds of families attended a school fair on Jan. 24 at the Crowne Plaza to learn about education options across the Providence area, gathering representatives from more than 30 public, … more

1/29/26

Special Event Listings for 01.29.26

Women’s Silent Retreat ENFIELD, Conn. — The Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield St., will host a silent discernment retreat for single Catholic women (ages 18-35) from Friday, Jan. 30, at 6 … more

1/29/26

Embracing the Prince of Peace

To be a Catholic in America has never been easy. In the years after World War II, as decades of outright discrimination and even persecution faded away, Catholics were left with the unsettling … more

By Scott P. Richert, OSV News | 1/29/26

Semiquincentennial Prep with HBO

Having recently lamented in this space that book reading is on life support in these United States, I find myself in the awkward position of recommending a made-for-television series as good … more

1/29/26

Following the Path of St. Bridget and St. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad

St. Bridget of Sweden (1304-1373), from an early age, had visions of the crucified Christ. She lived her married life in the court of the Swedish king Magnus II. Mother of eight children, Bridget … more

1/29/26

Deacon Bob Morisseau

Robert Marcel Morisseau, “Deacon Bob”, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved husband of Elaine M. (Fortin) Morisseau, … more

1/27/26

Children present flowers before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the Mass for Life at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence on January 17.

Future Uncertain for Long-Running Missionary Image Visitation in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE — This may be the final year for the visitation of the missionary image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Diocese of Providence. After 20 years of traveling the world and coming to Rhode … more

By Kathleen Troost-Cramer, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/22/26

USCCB Pro-Life Chairman Urges Healing and Advocacy on National Day of Prayer

WASHINGTON – “We must continue to support pregnant and parenting mothers in need and offer spiritual and emotional help to all who have participated in abortion,” said Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, … more

1/22/26

New Visa Rule to Help Foreign-Born Clergy Stay in U.S. Communities

WASHINGTON — “We are tremendously grateful for the Administration’s work to address certain challenges facing foreign-born religious workers, their employers, and the American communities they … more

1/22/26

To All Engaged in Pro-Life Ministries in the Diocese —Thank You!

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude and profound admiration for your unwavering witness to the sanctity of human life. In a world that frequently overlooks the vulnerable, your dedication to … more

1/22/26

Special Event Listings for 01.22.26

St. Barnabas Church to host Music Bingo PORTSMOUTH — St. Barnabas Church will host Music Bingo on Saturday, Jan. 24, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and games beginning at 7 p.m. The family-friendly … more

1/22/26

Joseph Francis Marra of the Diocese of Providence was among 32 seminarians installed as lectors on Jan. 11 in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. During the ceremony, Cardinal Fabio Baggio presented the Holy Scriptures to Marra, charging him to be a faithful herald of God’s Word.

Local seminarian receives ministry of lector from PNAC

ROME — Joseph Francis Marra of the Diocese of Providence was one of 32 seminarians who received ministry of lector in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American … more

1/22/26

Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., celebrates Mass at the St. Antoine Community in North Smithfield during his first pastoral visit on Jan. 7. In his homily, the bishop reflected on the vulnerability of Christ, encouraging residents and staff to be “salvation for one another” through acts of kindness. Following Mass and the rededication of a statue of St. Anthony, Bishop Lewandowski visited with residents and retired religious.

A ‘Wonderful Occasion’: St. Antoine Residents Uplifted by Bishop’s Visit

NORTH SMITHFIELD — On January 7, Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., made his first pastoral visit to the St. Antoine Community, a diocesan provider of skilled senior care, including rehabilitative … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/22/26

A man holds up a sign as protesters gather in Minneapolis Jan. 8, 2026, at the scene of the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The 37-year-old woman was shot in her car Jan. 7, according to local and federal officials.

America’s dearth of statesmanship in Minneapolis

On January 7, during a large federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Jonathan Ross, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, fatally shot U.S. citizen Renée Good. … more

1/22/26

Tips for children to enjoy and pay attention at Mass

Getting children to pay better attention and to enjoy the sacredness of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is difficult but not an impossible feat. There are certain things that my husband and I do to … more

1/22/26

From Woonsocket to Capernaum

My mother had very few relatives. The Hanleys and the Coffeys in Woonsocket were her aunts and her cousins. My father however had a good number of relatives mostly in Providence. His aunt Rose and … more

1/22/26

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. visits with students and staff at the San Miguel School in Providence during a recent pastoral visit. During the visit, the Bishop explored the school’s new STEAM Center and invited the student body to a future tour of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul. At left, teacher Tanya James, at right, beside Bishop Lewandowski, is Executive Director Mel Bride, and behind her is Ahmad Nyabally, 6th grade teaching assistant.

Bishop receives a student-led tour of San Miguel School

PROVIDENCE — Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., recently made a pastoral visit to the San Miguel School, a Catholic, independent middle school for Boys, founded by Brother Lawrence Goyette FSC. … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 1/22/26

Hoops and Holy Hour offers a Joyful Witness to Vocations in Providence

On Friday, Jan. 16, seminarians from Saint John’s traveled to Providence for the 2nd annual seminarian basketball game against Our Lady of Providence seminarians. The evening began with a Holy Hour … more

1/22/26