Stories | Rhode Island Catholic

As Julia Duggan, left, of Monsignor Clarke School, Wakefield, and Eli Guzman, right, a student at St. Paul School, Cranston, faced very difficult health battles this year, their local Catholic communities stepped up to provide their families with prayerful, monetary and other support. Despite twice defeating cancer, Eli’s small body was weakened, leaving him unable to fight off a lung infection that claimed his life on July 8. Julia, though too weak to attend her preschool graduation due to treatment the week before, began kindergarten this fall. She continues to fight for her life, and faces five more weeks of treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Few things in this world cause greater heartbreak than watching a child facing an illness that would test even the resolve of grown men and women. Cancer is the worst offender. The mere word sends … more

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/21/23

Rain doesn’t stop faithful from enjoying annual Our Lady of Grace Feast

Bishop Richard G. Henning celebrated Mass for the Our Lady of Grace feast and procession, held on Sunday, Sept. 10 in Johnston. The procession began after Mass and wound through the local streets … more

9/21/23

Students, faculty and staff, and local faithful gather to commemorate the 100th anniversary of St. Joseph’s school together with Bishop Richard G. Henning and the clergy of St. Joseph’s Parish, West Warwick. Be sure to visit www.sjsww.org to stay up-to-date on all centennial events.

St. Joseph School Celebrates 100 years of Catholic Education

WEST WARWICK — On Sunday, Sept. 10, Bishop Richard G. Henning led the faithful of St. Joseph’s Parish by celebrating a Mass to open the school year for the 100th anniversary of the … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/21/23

Former and current students, families, teachers and staff of St. Paul’s school, together with the clergy and parishioners of St. Paul’s parish, gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the school.

St. Paul School enjoys centennial of its founding with a gala

CRANSTON — St. Paul’s School celebrated its 100th anniversary on Friday, Sept. 15 with a gala at Rhodes at the Pawtuxet. The event was attended by approximately 500 guests, including … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/21/23

100 years of St. Paul School

Just as it began one year ago, St. Paul School’s 100th anniversary year concluded with a celebration of Holy Mass on Sunday, Sept. 17, in the Cranston parish. Bishop Richard G. Henning … more

9/21/23

Adoration is an act of love, grace and human will

Many believers were taught as children that the easiest way to recall the goals of prayer was to remember the simple word “PART.” Petition, Adoration, Reparation and Thanksgiving are all … more

9/21/23

‘Exaltation’: The central event of history, behold its terrible beauty

The crucifix is so central to who we are as Catholics that we keep it often before our eyes; we hang it on our walls and wear it around our necks and even place it on our desks and dashboards, … more

By Bishop Robert Reed | 9/21/23

Question: Are ‘little white lies’ okay to tell?

Q: Is it always wrong in every case to lie? What about the so-called “little white lie?”’ I’m thinking of situations where you tell a person something you know is false to … more

By Jenna Marie Cooper | 9/21/23

What NOT to say to a pregnant woman and what to say instead

Surprise! My husband and I are expecting another baby! For those of our family members and friends who do not already know, we will be welcoming our fourth baby later this year. We are overjoyed at … more

9/21/23

Pope Francis attends a session of the Synod of Bishops on young people in the Vatican synod hall in this file photo from 2018. The October assembly of the "synod on synodality" has been moved to the larger Vatican audience hall where members will sit at round tables, rather than in rows.

As I Leave for the Synod on Synodality

Last November, along with four other of my brother bishops, I was elected as a delegate to the international Synod on Synodality, which will take up the entire month of … more

By Bishop Robert Barron | 9/21/23

Diocese to take part in Traveling Rosary Congress

PROVIDENCE — The Diocese of Providence Traveling Eucharistic Rosary Congress will be held from October 7 - 13, 2023. A Eucharistic Rosary Congress is seven days of around-the-clock Eucharistic … more

9/21/23

Special Event Listings 09.21.23

Life in the Spirit Seminar PAWTUCKET — St. John Paul II Parish will host a Life in the Spirit Seminar at 755 Central Ave., in the St. Cecilia Church building. The seminar will be held on … more

9/21/23

The Police Officer’s Motto: To Protect and Serve

Over the years and in a variety of circumstances, I have had the opportunity to provide pastoral care to police officers. As a result, I have seen the enormous pressures that the job places on … more

9/21/23

Three-day Eucharistic Revival Retreat includes international exhibition of Blessed Carlo Acutis

WESTERLY — A very special International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles showcasing more than 100 documented eucharistic miracles compiled and cataloged by Blessed Carlo Acutis is coming to … more

9/21/23

Father Pietro Paolo Polo, C.S.

ITALY — The Reverend Pietro Paolo Polo, C.S., 80, a priest of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo (i.e., the Scalabrinian Missionaries) died Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 … more

9/21/23

The Brother Thomas R. Leto Options Program is designed with the belief that all young men, including those with mild to moderate disabilities, should have the “option” of a Hendricken education.

Hendricken program gives students with different learning abilities ‘Options’

WARWICK — Bishop Hendricken High School will commemorate a major milestone in its history, as the 2023-2024 school year marks the 15th anniversary of the start of the Brother Thomas Leto … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/14/23

Our Lady of Hope is located in the former St. Francis of Assisi School, with a chapel located in the former St. Francis of Assisi Church, which is adjacent to the school.

First Chesterton Academy in New England opens its doors in R.I.

WARWICK — Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope, the newest Catholic school to open in the Diocese of Providence, held its first day of classes on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Located on Jefferson … more

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent | 9/14/23

Celebrating the Mass of the Holy Spirit

At this time of year, it is common to celebrate Masses of the Holy Spirit. The best known of these are the “Red Masses” celebrated near the opening of the Supreme Court session. Called … more

9/14/23

The Class of 2027 made history with its arrival at Providence College on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Its 1,200 members — the largest class in college history — include the first students who will study nursing and health sciences, pictured above.

The Class of 2027 make history as largest class

PROVIDENCE — The Class of 2027 made history with its arrival at Providence College on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Its 1,200 members — the largest class in college history — include … more

9/14/23

Love for Catholic Education

It was a day filled with blessings as Bishop Richard G. Henning visited Monsignor Clarke School. The students, parents and teachers were all captivated by his warm spirit, beginning his homily with a … more

9/14/23