Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

The German Bishops’ Conference, Over the Cliff

When it was first published in 1993, Pope St. John Paul II’s encyclical on the reform of Catholic moral theology, Veritatis Splendor (The Splendor of Truth), dealt a severe blow to the pride of … more

1/8/26

There is no warmth to Collectivism and Socialism

At his inaugural address as the new mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani stated: “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.” Mamdani is a … more

1/8/26

Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope Celebrates Network’s $1 Million Yass Prize

WARWICK— Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope is celebrating a major national achievement as the Chesterton Schools Network was awarded the 2025 Yass Prize, including the $1 million grand prize, … more

1/8/26

Prout School student-athletes deliver hope and gifts to families in need

The Prout Hockey team took the “season of giving” to heart. The team and Coach John Gaffney recently visited the MAE Organization for the Homeless in Cranston to deliver gifts for several … more

1/8/26

Tradition & Service: Our Lady of Mercy School celebrates a joyful Advent

Our Lady of Mercy School celebrated the season of Advent with a series of joyful traditions focused on faith, community, and service. Highlights included the annual Christmas Pageant featuring over … more

1/8/26

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., and others who joined him sing “All Are Welcome” at the outset of their recitation of the Holy Rosary outside the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls.

Bishop Lewandowski leads first migration-themed Rosary outside Wyatt Detention Center

CENTRAL FALLS — Only three days before Christmas, a sizable group of about 50 committed Catholics assembled around noon in the parking lot of Fuerza Laboral, a self-described “workers’ rights … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 1/8/26

Advent by the Nativity Scene

Mary and Joseph show us we never know what to expect from God. He can surprise us with joy and contentment beyond our own expectations if we simply place our trust in Him. The Lord is coming to do … more

12/18/25

Keeping Christ at the Heart of It All

Brothers and Sisters, God’s Grace and Peace be with you! A good number of people have asked me about my first impressions of Rhode Island. There have been many, many “firsts.” My first trip to … more

By Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. | 12/18/25

Assignments 12.18.25

RETIRING FROM ACTIVE MINISTRY Reverend D. Andrew Messina, from Pastor, SS. Rose & Clement Parish, Warwick, to Pastor Emeritus, effective December 31, 2025 PASTOR Reverend Carl B. Fisette, from … more

12/18/25

Pope Leo XIV stops to pray in front of the Nativity scene in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Dec. 15, 2025. Thanking the artists and donors responsible for the Vatican Christmas decorations, the pope asked for prayers for members of the Jewish community in Australia after the terrorist attack the night before.

Christmas creche, tree are signs of hope, pope says

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY—The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs of faith and hope, Pope Leo XIV said. “As we contemplate them in our homes, parishes and town … more

By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service | 12/18/25

Special Event Listings for 12.18.25

Mary, Mother of Mankind Bingo Night NORTH PROVIDENCE — Mary, Mother of Mankind Church, 25 Fourth St., will host a bingo night to benefit its religious education program on Friday, Dec. 19, with the … more

12/18/25

Diocese hosts regional forum on immigration

PROVIDENCE — The Diocese of Providence, in partnership with the Hope Border Institute (HOPE), based in El Paso, Texas and the Center for Migration Studies (CMS), based in New York City, brought … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 12/18/25

God pitches his tent among us, like a candle flickering in the dark

Advent belongs to a season shrouded in darkness, especially in New England. December days decrease in length, while nights grow long and cold. The halcyon cool of an August twilight seems lost to … more

12/18/25

A displaced Syrian family are pictured in a file photo inside their tent at a refugee camp in the village of Jeb Jennine, in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.

Immigrants, refugees and the Holy Family

In 2025, perhaps no public policy question has generated more commentary and protest than immigration and deportation. The matter is not confined to the U.S., of course, with analogous controversies … more

By Kenneth Craycraft, OSV News | 12/18/25

Three Chimes, Three Mysteries

Until the last century, Church bells had framed the Christian day for most of the Western world’s history. Awakened in the morning by the peal from the local church, workers went off to their jobs, … more

12/18/25

People attend a candlelight vigil at Lippitt Memorial Park in Providence, R.H., Dec. 14, 2025, following a mass shooting at Brown University. The shooting left two students dead and nine others injured at the Ivy League school, where classes and exams have been canceled.

'A Sense of Deep Sorrow': Gaudete Sunday Turns Somber for Brown/RISD Catholic Community After Shooting

PROVIDENCE — The violence that erupted at the Brown University’s campus on Dec. 13 was more than a national headline; it was a deeply personal tragedy that struck at the heart of the Providence … more

By Daniel J. Holmes, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent & Laura Kilgus, Associate Editor | 12/16/25

A Message to the Jewish Community from Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R.

Dear Friends in the Jewish Community, As the winter nights grow longer and as you prepare to begin the celebration of the "Festival of Lights" this weekend, please accept my prayerful best wishes, … more

12/12/25

A drone view of Palestinians lighting up a Christmas tree in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in the West Bank Dec. 6, 2025.

Bethlehem celebrates first Christmas tree lighting since war as pilgrims slowly return

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 65-feet Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6 — for the first time since December 2022 … more

By Judith Sudilovsky, OSV News | 12/11/25

Diocese Approves Merger of Four Pawtucket Parishes

PROVIDENCE— After consulting the Council of Priests, Most Rev. Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence, approved the request of the pastors, trustees, and finance councils of two … more

12/11/25

The annual Catholic Women’s Conference took place on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. As the only designated Jubilee site in Rhode Island, the cathedral offered attendees the unique chance to fulfill the requirements to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence. The event featured Holy Mass, inspiring talks, live music and a variety of vendors. Pictured, Kristen Fisher from Enkindle Catholic Ministries speaks to attendees.

Catholic Women’s Conference a beautiful celebration of faith

PROVIDENCE —Christmas is a time to remember that the Word of God descended to earth in the darkness of night so that he could be close to us in our own darkness. This idea, which concluded … more

By Kathleen Troost-Cramer, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 12/11/25