Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

MERCY21 with Bishop Bruce Lewandowski DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE — Bishop Bruce Lewandowski is inviting everyone to join him on a 21-day journey focused on mercy, called MERCY21. The program begins … more

9/18/25

The Mass of the Holy Spirit inaugurated another year of priestly formation at Our Lady of Providence Seminary, educating 23 men from 10 dioceses. Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., was joined by Msgr. Albert Kenney, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Providence, Father Ken Sicard, OP, president of Providence College, and the seminary faculty.

Future priests begin new academic year, look ahead to being merciful shepherds to God's people

PROVIDENCE — According to an article in the Catholic World Report from February, just shy of 3,000 men are currently studying for the priesthood in 175 dioceses within the U.S. The Diocese of … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/18/25

Sister Gertude Pare, SUSC

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Sister Gertrude Pare, SUSC, died suddenly on July 22, at the age of 88. Born in Central Falls, Rhode Island, on July 21, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and … more

9/11/25

Special Event Listings for 09.11.25

The Kennedy Wedding Remembered NEWPORT — In honor of the Kennedys’ 72nd wedding anniversary, one can relive that special day, Sept. 12, 1953, when Jacqueline Bouvier married then-Senator … more

9/11/25

Pope Leo XIV greets visitors and pilgrims from the popemobile as he rides around St. Peter's Square at the Vatican before his weekly general audience Sept. 3, 2025.

Add your prayers to this spiritual bouquet for Pope Leo XIV's 70th

Pope Leo XIV turns 70 on Sept. 14, and OSV News is celebrating by gathering a host of prayers into a very special “spiritual birthday bouquet” for the Holy Father. The best part? Everyone … more

By OSV News | 9/11/25

The Providence Chapter, Communidad de Solidaridad, a diocesan group, planned a bilingual event featuring a night of festive music and witness, along with a reflection by Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., on Friday, Aug. 29, from 7-9 p.m., at McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, Providence.

Local CRS Spanish Chapter Hosts Night of Worship and Solidarity to Support the Poor

PROVIDENCE — “I rejoiced when they said to me: Let us go to the house of the Lord” was the opening song for the Night of Worship and Solidarity, performed by the Diocesan Hispanic … more

By Hortencia Medina, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/11/25

Gilbane Inc. donates $10,000 to Catholic Charity Appeal

PROVIDENCE — Robert Murray, CFO of Gilbane Inc., presented a check for $10,000 on behalf of the company to Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., in support of the diocese's 2025 Catholic … more

9/11/25

Seminarians greeted by Pope Leo

Pope Leo XIV received seminarians and faculty of the North American College on Sunday, Aug. 24, including Providence Seminarians Alex Richardson and Joe Marra, along with NAC Spiritual Director … more

9/11/25

Soiree assists Little Sisters in their care for Rhode Island's elderly poor

The Little Sisters of the Poor of Pawtucket held their third annual Summer Soiree at the Jeanne Jugan Residence on Wednesday, Aug. 13. More than 300 guests attended the event, which supported the … more

9/11/25

Courageously following God’s providential will

The St. Francis House, formerly on Blackstone Street in Woonsocket, was once a Catholic home for working women and then generally for elderly residents. The Franciscan Sisters from Allegheny in New … more

9/11/25

We must all look for ways to further the common good

TO THE EDITOR: Since Monday, January 20, 2025, many people have experienced shock and awe to say the least at the evisceration of services and resources to aid the poor (including the working … more

Father Thomas O’Neill, Senior Priest | 9/11/25

The inside of the destroyed Corpus Christi Church is seen in Pacific Palisades on the west side of Los Angeles Jan. 15, 2025, in the aftermath of the wildfires. As of late Jan. 14, the death toll numbered at least 25 people, but with several wildfires raging, officials warn the actual toll will remain unclear until it's safe for investigators to access neighborhoods. Tens of thousands of people have been impacted by evacuation orders since the blazes began Jan. 7.

The sounds of silence

It has been almost eight months since fire rained down upon the Pacific Palisades, destroying more than 6,800 houses and businesses and turning this Pacific Ocean overlook into a smoldering … more

By Greg Erlandson, OSV News | 9/11/25

New Biography by Rhode Island Author Now Available

LINCOLN — Mo Guernon, a lifelong Rhode Islander and resident of Lincoln, is the author of a new highly acclaimed biography. “Love Is a Journey: The Inspiring Life and Legacy of Pope John … more

9/11/25

More than 80,000 people gather in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the canonization Mass of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis celebrated by Pope Leo XIV Sept. 7, 2025.

Bristol pastor with devotion to Carlo Acutis concelebrates canonization Mass in Rome

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor Of the estimated 80,000 faithful present to participate in the Mass Sunday at the Vatican to canonize as saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, a local pastor … more

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor | 9/11/25

The DaLuz Family – Amos, Peggy, and Alexis – inside the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence, for the 2025 Jubilee Year SPRED Pilgrimage.

SPRED-ing a hopeful message at Providence's Jubilee Year pilgrimage

PROVIDENCE — The blind, the deaf, the lame, the infirm ... Two millennia ago, Jesus of Nazareth routinely encountered crowds of these and others whose afflictions often left them feeling … more

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

Bishop launches MERCY21 initiative

PROVIDENCE — In a world where division and many concerns exist — whether they be about the nation’s economic outlook, ongoing wars, the polarization of opinions, even divisions … more

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

“Blessed are the merciful…” (Matthew 5:7)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, My first contribution to the Rhode Island Catholic could very easily have focused on any one of the many worries of the day. Our world is hurting. Every day we … more

9/4/25

Special Event Listings for 09.04.25

Human Life Guild Awards Nominations Due By Sept. 5 PROVIDENCE — Nominations for the 2025 Human Life Guild Awards are due on Friday, Sept. 5. These awards are presented to outstanding Catholic … more

9/4/25

Friendship, Faith, & Fun: Campers Grow in Spirit at Mother of Hope

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski received a warm welcome during his first official visit to Mother of Hope camp. He celebrated Mass for the campers and toured the faith-filled camp, located on 126 acres … more

9/4/25

St. Patrick Academy welcomes new principal Billy Burdier

PROVIDENCE — Rev. Joseph Brice, pastor of St. Patrick Parish announced the appointment of Billy Burdier as fourth principal of St. Patrick Academy. St. Patrick Academy (SPA) is a NEASC (New … more

9/4/25