On Thursday, January 21, 125 people gathered at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul to celebrate the Mass in honor of the Virgen of Altagracia, a popular devotion of the Dominican Republic. The Most Rev. Robert C. Evans, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, headed the celebration, while Father James Ruggieri, pastor of St. Patrick and St. Michael parishes in Providence, was the homilist and celebrant. Following COVID-19 guidance, attendance was limited while others could follow the Mass Livestream on YouTube. The previous Friday, January 15, the Virgen of Altagracia celebrated their 13th Grand banquet at the Marriott with a modest number limited by city restrictions to 15 people. Jose Pimentel, president of the Altagracia Committee said, “We were close to canceling but we wanted to give people hope in the middle of the pandemic and continue with the tradition even with all the limitation and restrictions.”
