Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

Narragansett Knights of Columbus raise $10,500, Pushing 13-Year Seminarian Scholarship Total Past $100,000

For over 13 years, the Knights of Columbus Pope Pius XII Council #5295 of Narragansett has supported vocations, raising more than $100,000 in total seminarian scholarships through an annual golf … more

10/23/25

Persistent Prayer and Doctrinal Faith

The nasty widow in this coming Sunday’s Gospel passage from St. Luke (18:1-8) is traditionally suggested as a model for a Christian prayer life. The persistent woman is envisioned pounding on a … more

10/16/25

This is a screenshot of the photo posted inside of St. Mary’s of JFK and Jackie appearing outside the church after the ceremony (it’s better without the glare.) The plaque underneath notes that Jackie’s dress was made by fashion designer Ann Lowe and consists of 50 yards of fabric. It’s still available to view at the JFK Library and Museum.

Hundreds flock to Newport to remember Kennedy wedding

NEWPORT — Each year, when “Return to Camelot” is shown on September 12, hundreds of native Rhode Islanders and tourists from all over the U.S. pour into the City-by-the … more

By Allison Shinskey, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 10/16/25

Diocesan Life Chain Unites Generations for Sanctity of Life

Parishes across the diocese held Life Chain events to commemorate Respect Life Sunday on October 5. Part of the annual observance of 40 Days for Life, Life Chain participants held peaceful and … more

10/16/25

Bishop greets our new pope

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., had a special opportunity to greet Pope Leo XIV during his recent visit to Rome to celebrate the ordination to the transitional diaconate of diocesan seminarian … more

10/16/25

A full house of worship celebrated St. Michael’s Church’s 150th anniversary.

150 Years of Faith and Family: Smithfield Parish Celebrates Deep Roots and a Flourishing Future

SMITHFIELD — Upon gaining legal entry into the United States via Ellis Island in 1908, a Sicilian émigré headed east, first to Bristol, Rhode Island, before eventually purchasing … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 10/16/25

Special Event Listings for 10.16.25

Knights of Columbus Breakfast NORTH KINGSTOWN — The Knights of Columbus will hold a public breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the council hall, 1265 Tower Hill Road. The … more

10/16/25

A Handkerchief and a Mission

In the mid-1700s, a Redemptorist lay brother, Gerard Majella, was visiting the Pirofalo family in Muro, a small town in Italy not far from Naples. On leaving the home, one of the Pirofalo daughters … more

10/16/25

A freed Palestinian prisoner hugs his family member in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Oct. 13, 2025, after being released from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.

CNEWA director: Sense of relief as hostages freed, ceasefire holds, but peace vulnerable

(OSV News) — Scenes of joy, relief and tearful welcomes flooded media across the world Oct. 13 as the remaining Israeli hostages were freed from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip as part of the … more

By Paulina Guzik, OSV News | 10/16/25

The Importance and Power of Forgiveness

“When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: ‘That man…that young man… I forgive him.’ That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over … more

10/16/25

A breviary, or the liturgical book containing the Liturgy of the Hours, is seen in this illustration photo. Ascension and Word on Fire Publishing announced Oct. 7, 2025, they were each selected by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to print the second edition of the Liturgy of the Hours celebrated within the Latin Church.

Liturgy of the Hours 101: Don't be intimidated

During his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI said that there was one prayer that he wished all Catholics would learn to use. Can you guess what it is? Guess again -- not the Rosary. Nope. Not the Divine … more

By Daria Sockey, OSV News | 10/16/25

Dr. Sharon O’Brien shines light on domestic abuse during her presentation at Human Life Guild Day at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence.

Catholics Urged to Confront Domestic Violence as a ‘Respect Life’ Issue

PROVIDENCE — If you had a foot problem, you wouldn’t consult your dentist … right? Dr. Sharon O’Brien’s rhetorical question to an audience inside the Cathedral of SS. … more

By Erik Scalavino, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 10/9/25

Father James E. Coyle, third from top right, is pictured with family members in this undated photograph provided by his great niece. Father Coyle, born in Drum, Ireland, was murdered Aug. 11, 1921, by the Rev. Edwin R. Stephenson, a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Hatred and learning from history

Why do we want to learn about the dark times, the ugly times, in our country? It is a relevant question today, as museum displays and park exhibits are being censored for being unduly negative about … more

By Greg Erlandson, OSV News | 10/9/25

An Important Civics Lesson, Well Taught

The permanent exhibit in the rotunda of the National Archives in Washington, D.C. includes original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Constitution’s first ten … more

10/9/25

The Enduring Message of St. Timothy: Courage, Scripture and Faith

After two thousand years, the Christian community is still reading a somewhat melancholy letter from an elderly preacher to his novice disciple about the desperations and the hopes that the young … more

10/9/25

Sixteen seminarians from the Pontifical North American College, including Mateusz Puzanowski from the Diocese of Providence, were ordained on October 2 to the transitional diaconate in Rome by Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt of Grand Island, Nebraska. Providence Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., and former Providence Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans both concelebrated

Mateusz Puzanowski ordained to Sacred Order of Deacon

ROME — On October 2, sixteen seminarians from the Pontifical North American College, including Mateusz Puzanowski from the Diocese of Providence, were ordained to the transitional diaconate … more

10/9/25

OLM Celebrates Feast of St. Francis with Mass, Blessing of the Animals

Friday, Oct. 3 was filled with extra blessings in the Our Lady of Mercy school and parish community. Students, faculty, staff and families gathered for First Friday Mass at 9 a.m., which for the … more

10/9/25

From left, Gianni DeCubellis, Evan Reineke, Grace Jelinek and Julia Smith have been recognized National Merit Scholarship Program.

Prout Students Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Program

WAKEFIELD — Four outstanding seniors at The Prout School have been recognized by the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program for their exceptional academic achievements. Evan Reineke and … more

10/9/25

The historic St. Mary’s Church in Newport, the wedding site of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Bouvier, has launched a $5 million Bicentennial Campaign to fund crucial infrastructure repairs. The effort seeks to restore the building’s roof and stonework, ensuring the parish can continue its ministry and welcome visitors up to its 200th anniversary in 2028. Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., recently visited the parish during one of the campaign’s informational sessions.

St. Mary's launches $5 million capital campaign to restore and renew historic church

NEWPORT — The historic house of worship, where the marriage took place that produced an American First Family, leading to the storied ideals of Camelot, needs some tender loving care as it … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 10/9/25

Special Event Listings for 10.09.25

Bingo Night PORTSMOUTH — The Knights of Columbus will host a bingo night on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 7 to 10 p.m., at St. Barnabas Church Hall, 1697 East Main Road. Food, snacks, and soft drinks … more

10/9/25