Archbishop Henning inspired all of us through the constancy of his faith and his personal kindness to so many in our diocese. We will deeply miss his presence here in the Ocean State, but St. Paul reminds us that when one part of the Church rejoices, all parts share its joy. Therefore, we also share Boston’s joy, for this gift of a good man, a holy priest, and a wise shepherd belongs to the entire People of God.
— Msgr. Albert A. Kenney, S.T.L., Moderator of the Curia
It was surely God’s will that you provided a season of hope for the Diocese of Providence. That same hope is needed for our Church, and will manifest itself in the Archdiocese of Boston! We wish you well and will remain inspired by your selfless leadership! Our prayers for your success continue!
— Michael Benson, Knights of Columbus
Archbishop Henning, “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.” Thank you profoundly for your time with us here in the Diocese of Providence. Be assured of our continued prayers for you.
— Sister Angelina M. Giramma, MPF
Thank you for your ministry to the people of Rhode Island. God bless you in your new role as Archbishop of Boston.
— John O’Leary
Dear Archbishop, there is so much work to be done here in New England. I will certainly pray for your ministry as you head to Boston. May your work there bring light into the darkness. May people come to know and experience the love of Christ through your ministry. May the Holy Spirit guide you.
— Rachel Nguyen
Congratulations on your new position in Boston! In your short tenure in R.I., you have touched many lives. You will most certainly be in my prayers! We were blessed to have you in Providence! May God bless you as you venture on your new journey.
— Doris Brissette
I consider myself truly blessed to have been ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Henning during his brief time here in Providence. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the integrity and intensity with which he lives out his own journey of discipleship with the Lord Jesus and invites others to do the same. His paternal solicitude and pastoral zeal for the priests and people of this diocese will not be soon forgotten. He has shown us what it means to live for the Gospel with radical abandon and given himself entirely to the mission of the Church, particularly in this most recent act of humble obedience to the Holy Father. Having “put out into the deep” here in the Ocean State, the effects of his episcopal ministry will continue to ripple out, long after October 31 is come and gone.
— Father Joseph Brodeur
I am grateful for the presence of Archbishop Richard G. Henning in the Diocese of Providence. He has been very supportive of the programs and initiatives of religious serving and residing in the diocese. I am also grateful for the concern and support to the Spanish speaking community, as he frequently participated and assisted with their spiritual and apostolic needs in parishes and diocesan events at the cathedral. We will keep him in our prayers, and may God bless him as he starts on his new ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston.
—Sister Elizabeth Castro, H.M.S.P., Director of the Office for Religious
Congratulations, Your Excellency. Although you have only been in the Diocese of Providence [a short time], you have made an incredible impression. Glad that you’re only traveling up the road a little ways, but you will be missed. May God always be with you on this next mission.
— Joseph Klucznik
Archbishop Henning has had a vested interest in the well-being and spiritual care for the whole people of the Church of Providence, including and in a special way, the priests and seminarians. His generosity, good humor, and paternal guidance in my seminary formation have been a witness of his firm faith in Jesus Christ, and his unwavering support for the priesthood. Archbishop Henning’s fatherliness has been most seen to me in his preaching, where he preaches the truths of our faith with such gentleness, pastoral solicitude, and love for the Lord. I cannot help but be moved by Archbishop’s closeness to the people of God in our diocese as I read and hear about the many events he was present for and led in our local Church. May the Good Shepherd protect him as he begins his ministry as Archbishop of Boston. Ad multos annos!
— Nathan J. Ledoux,
Seminarian Theology III