On February 16, 1872, Pope Pius IX issued the papal bull erecting the Diocese of Providence. Our diocese has several curious historical facts around its founding. For one, prior to the papal bull the souls in the state of Rhode Island fell under the spiritual care of the diocese of Hartford. Surprisingly if you went looking for the seat of the bishop of the diocese of Hartford you would not be able to find it in that city. Due to a larger number of Catholics (and more financial resources) the Bishop of Hartford diocese resided in the city of Providence. In 1872 the Bishop of Hartford left Providence and established his seat in the city of his diocese’s namesake.
Another interesting historical fact concerns the boundaries of our diocese. We have a unique situation here in the Diocese of Providence: the boundaries of our diocese are the same as the boundaries of our state. It was not always the case. Prior to 1904 the boundaries extended to include what is now the Diocese of Fall River. Curiously, as the diocese grew in population it shrank in landmass. The reason? It points to the urgent need, then confronting Catholicism in America, especially along the Eastern seaboard, of coping with the increasing numbers of Catholic immigrants.
Our diocese was founded and made smaller so that bishops and priests could more adequately minister to the needs of the people. Circumstances have certainly changed throughout its entire history. Yet, whether we are expanding or contracting, the goal remains the same: spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
