PROVIDENCE — In the final moments of his Mass of Reception, Bishop Richard G. Henning took a moment to express his sincere thanks to his friends and family, particularly to his dear mother and father, supporting their son from the first pew.
“I would like to say a word of gratitude to my mother Maureen and my father Richard — I am very proud to be your son.”
For Bishop Henning’s parents, the feeling of love and pride for their son is more than mutual.
In an interview with Rhode Island Catholic, the parents of the new coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Providence took some time to reflect on fond memories of their oldest child “Richie,” and the qualities they would like the people of the Diocese of Providence to know about their new bishop.
“There are so many memories,” said Mrs. Henning as she thought of her son as a little boy and as the man he is today. “He was just a joy.”
She remembered her son playing on the carpet, building Lego creations all around the family living room. His parents recalled, with laughter in their voices, that maybe he would become an architect someday. But it was his compassion at a young age that stood out most in their shared memories.
“He was the first child of five [Richard, Cathleen, Maureen, Tara and Bobby] and he was always the big brother, even as a little guy,” said Mr. Henning.
“We lived on an island when he was growing up and the kids would go off and play with other children,” said Mrs. Henning. “If the weather would turn, Richie, maybe 10 years old, would come running home, he would batten down the hatches and take care of everything. He was very much into the water and watching the weather. He was so good, so dependable.”
The Hennings shared how vital it was for them to raise their children in the Catholic faith and with a Catholic education, an integral part of their family life. Mr. Henning explained that this faith-filled instruction formed Bishop Henning at a very early age and all the way through to college.
“It was extremely important,” said Mrs. Henning. “Growing up, he was a good student. Catholic education was paramount.”
During a press conference on November 23 announcing his appointment as coadjutor, Bishop Henning said that he felt a calling to the priesthood in the fifth grade and that desire never left him.
Mrs. Henning recalled how she felt when her son told his family that he wanted to become a priest.
“I always wanted Richie to decide what was best for him. If it was the right thing for him, that would make us very happy. We’re so happy that he found what would be his right vocation. I certainly do believe that Richie is whom he was very much meant to be, and that is a messenger of God.”
When asked what advice she would have for parents who may see a priestly vocation in their son, Mrs. Henning said that they should accept and encourage.
“Be very open and encouraging if that’s what they feel is right for them. The life of a priest is very difficult, but it’s very rewarding. We are so incredibly blessed with Richie. He’s a comforting man. A lot of us go to him with our problems. Sometimes he feels like he is the parent,” she laughed.
Being an “islander” and making the move from Long Island to Rhode Island, Mrs. Henning knows her son will feel right at home in the Ocean State. His parents also both feel comforted with the already warm welcome the bishop, his friends and family have received.
“I want people of the Diocese of Providence to know that his counsel is extraordinary,” said Mrs. Henning. “He loves people and always wants to help them. A very comforting person. So many times, we have watched him give a homily and he has no notes, everything is from the heart. It amazes me every time how deep and how much he carries the faith in his heart.”
Mr. Henning said, “I want people to know he is very approachable. He’s a people person and he is armed with a good education and has a very good way of just conversing in sincerity. He’s a big brother. We rely on him with love, and he loves us back.”
Maureen and Richard Henning shared that they are in awe of each of their children. And in particular, they have been honored to share their son Richard with the Diocese of Rockville Centre and now with the Diocese of Providence. The Hennings agree on what a blessing they have in their family.
“As his mom and dad, we couldn’t be more proud that he is our son,” said Mrs. Henning.
