Diocesan News | Rhode Island Catholic

God’s self-revelation to Moses was the pre-cursor to the Holy Trinity

Devout Catholics are familiar with holy cards and stained-glass windows depicting saints in awe before the Divine Presence. Lourdes and Fatima recall several Heavenly appearances. Scripture scholars … more

3/20/25

Gathered in the La Salle Academy gymnasium, St. Rocco School of Johnston take on St. Luke’s School, Barrington.

Young athletes showcase skills and sportsmanship on the court

2025 Diocesan Basketball Tournament The Catholic Athletic League hosted the 2025 basketball championship March 8-9 and March 15-16 at area Catholic high schools. Hundreds of young athletes took … more

3/20/25

Pope Francis is seen in the chapel of his suite of rooms at Rome's Gemelli hospital March 16, 2025. The Vatican press office said the 88-year-old pope concelebrated Mass that morning.

Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization

ROME — For the first time since Pope Francis was hospitalized in mid-February, the Vatican press office released a photograph of him March 16; the image shows him concelebrating Mass that … more

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service | 3/20/25

From left, Peter Nguyen, executive director, St. Thomas More Teaching Fellows; Francis X. Maier, senior fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center; Father Ryan W. Connors, rector, Our Lady of Providence Seminary; Dr. James Keating, director, Humanities Program at Providence College; and Darryl De Marzio, executive director, Portsmouth Institute.

Unpacking Hope in the Jubilee Year at the Providence Catholicism and Culture Symposium

PROVIDENCE — The Jubilee Year of Hope is the perfect time to reflect on what hope really is — and according to the panelists at the 2025 Providence Catholicism and Culture Symposium, most … more

By Kathleen Troost-Cramer, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/20/25

Local faithful and clergy gather at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in support of candidates for baptism and confirmation as they take part in the annual Rite of Election.

Hundreds take part in Rite of Election preparing to receive sacraments of initiation

PROVIDENCE — Lent is a liturgical season filled with anticipation. As the Church prepares for Easter, the most important holy day in the Church calendar, the faithful prepare to reflect upon … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/20/25

Abrahamic religions and Aristotle: How the three interpret Greek philosophy

PROVIDENCE — Three faiths, one ancient philosopher. How do Jews, Christians and Muslims interpret and embrace Aristotle in each of their theological teachings? Providence College’s … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/20/25

Special Event Listings for 03.20.25

The Chrism Mass PROVIDENCE — The public and clergy are invited to attend the Chrism Mass on Monday, April 14, 6 p.m., at the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul. The celebrant and homilist … more

3/20/25

Well Wishes: Drawings for Pope Francis cover the base of a statue of St. John Paul II outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital March 8, 2025.

Pope follows Lenten retreat from hospital; his condition remains stable

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Pope Francis’ condition remains stable, which is a sign of continued improvement, he followed the start of the Lenten retreat for the Roman Curia by video linkup … more

By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service | 3/13/25

Assignments 03.13.25

RETIRING FROM ACTIVE MINISTRY Reverend John E. Abreu, from Pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Warren, to Pastor Emeritus, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Warren, effective June 30, 2025. … more

3/13/25

Special Event Listings for 03.13.25

Knights to serve chowder and clam cakes Fridays in Lent PAWTUCKET — Knights of Columbus will serve chowder and clam cakes at St. John Paul II Parish 745 Central Ave., Fridays during Lent, from … more

3/13/25

Trusting in God’s Promises

In the Book of Genesis, the patriarch Abraham receives a double promise from God the Father. The elderly, childless Abraham and his barren wife Sarah are guaranteed offspring through the birth of a … more

3/13/25

A priest places ashes on the forehead of a Palestinian woman during Ash Wednesday Mass in the Church of St. Catherine in Bethlehem, West Bank, March 5, 2025. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and the start of the six weeks of prayer and penitence before Easter.

Lent and the Purification of Memory

On December 20, 2002, I was at lunch in the papal apartment when the wide-ranging conversation John Paul II always encouraged took an unexpected turn, with the pope asking me how President Ronald … more

3/13/25

Take up your cross

For some years now, it has been fashionable for Catholics to declare that we’re not giving up anything for Lent but instead are doing something positive. This false dichotomy makes sense within … more

By Scott P. Richert, OSV News | 3/13/25

Linda A’Vant-Deishinni serves as the executive director of St. Martin de Porres Multi-Service Center, Neighborhood Friendly Visitor program coordinator and as coordinator of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry.

A'Vant-Deishinni is a shining light of Christ to R.I. seniors

PROVIDENCE — Linda A’Vant-Deishinni has a deep love for her community, and it shines through in her life’s work. And she has an impressive biography, currently serving as executive … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/13/25

Father Henry P. Zinno, pastor of St. Mary’s and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Bristol smiles in his rectory kitchen at Mount Carmel with his favorite cutting board, which reads “He who eats prays twice.”

Local priest shares how faith and food connect

BRISTOL — Those of us who have given up sweets for Lent may find solace that a popular Rhode Island feast day is coming up: St. Joseph’s Day. And with it, comes the zeppole. A zeppola, … more

By Allison Shinskey, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/13/25

Providence College Announces new Graduate Program in Catholic Theology

PROVIDENCE — Providence College (PC) has announced that a new Master of Arts (MA) in Catholic Theology and Culture will be offered beginning in the Fall 2025 semester. This new program is in … more

3/13/25

Dr. Andrew Harper, medical director for Huntsville Reproductive Medicine, P.C., looks on as Lynn Curry, nurse practitioner for Huntsville Reproductive Medicine, P.C., opens IVF cryopreservation dewar in Madison, Ala., March 4, 2024. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Feb. 19, 2025, to develop policy recommendations to expand access to and affordability of in vitro fertilization

America needs more babies: Catholics look to restorative reproductive medicine as alternative to IVF

This article is first in a four part series on the Catholic viewpoints of reproductive technology PROVIDENCE —America needs more babies. This became the official position of the United … more

By Kathleen Troost-Cramer, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 3/6/25

Sister Agnes Bonville, RSM

Sister Agnes Bonville, RSM (whose religious name was Mary Bonaventure John) a Sister of Mercy for 76 years, died on February 19, 2025 at Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Agnes was … more

3/6/25

In this file photo, Sister Elizabeth Castro, H.M.S.P., director of the Office for Religious for the Diocese of Providence and a member of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Word, distributes communion on Ash Wednesday at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence.

This Lenten season, let us live as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’

A couple of weeks ago, I went food shopping at Stop & Shop. Per usual, I started in my favorite aisle, the one all the way to the right of the store, particularly known as the ice cream aisle. As … more

By Msgr. Albert A. Kenney | 3/6/25

Special Event Listings for 03.06.25

Sunday Holy Hour for the Jubilee Year of Hope PROVIDENCE — Adoration is a quiet time spent in prayer before Jesus present in the Eucharist. Join us Sundays from noon to 1 p.m. in the Cathedral … more

3/6/25