“It would be a day to help communities and each of the baptized to reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel and that, as long as Lazarus lies at the door of our homes (cf. Lk 16:19-21), there can be no justice or social peace. This Day will also represent a genuine form of new evangelization (cf. Mt 11:5) which can renew the face of the Church as She perseveres in her perennial activity of pastoral conversion and witness to mercy.” - Pope Francis
By Robert E. Burns, Guest Editorial - I was quite saddened to hear of Bishop Louis E. Gelineau’s passing on November 7, 2024. I recall how Jesus responded when his friend Lazarus died: “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Bishop Gelineau was my Bishop, Shepherd, confidant and friend. And yes, I cried when I heard the news. I met Bishop Gelineau just a few weeks after his arrival and he said to me: “Tell me your name, son.” I said, “Bishop, my name is Bobby, and I am honored to meet you.” Then I kissed his ring. He said, “We shall be friends, and I ask you to pray for me.” I said I would gladly pray for him, and he said to me, “Merci, Robert!”
Editor’s Note: Rhode Island Catholic will also feature a profile on 140-year-old St. John Seminary, in Brighton, Massachusetts, in an upcoming edition. - By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - ROME — In September, when colleges in the U.S. have begun their fall semester, a group of young men from across the country acclimate themselves to a new culture and landscape unlike any they had known before. Seminary students at the Pontifical North American College (commonly referred to as the NAC) study the the sacred science of theology — practically underneath the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the heart of Rome. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER NATHAN J. RICCI)
Most Reverend Louis E. Gelineau, D.D., J.C.L., S.T.L., 96, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Providence, died Thursday, November 7, 2024. Bishop Gelineau served as the sixth Bishop of Providence for more than 25 years. His services will be this Saturday, November 16, from the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence.
By Cole DeSantis Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PAWTUCKET — Deacons are ordained for service to Christ and his Church. This beautiful service was on display at St. John the Baptist Parish in Pawtucket as Rev. Mr. Vicente Caban, who serves as the deacon of the parish, was recently recognized for his 25th anniversary of diaconal ordination. (PHOTO: COLE DESANTIS)
By Msgr. Albert A. Kenney, Diocesan Administrator - Last Thursday, I attended the Mass of Installation for Archbishop Henning at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston’s South End. That magnificent church was filled to capacity with so many people who came to this extraordinary gathering. A new, talented, and hope-filled Archbishop has now begun his ministry serving the people of God in the Archdiocese of Boston. We wish him well. We know what a blessing he was to us in his brief time among us. Sitting in the Cathedral, I offered a prayer of gratitude to God for the message of hope Archbishop Henning so faithfully brought from one corner of our state to the other. He clearly reminds us that hope is essential for all disciples of Christ. Hope distinguishes us as followers of the Risen Christ and our example of hope attracts others to follow Jesus.
BY JENNIFER BARTON, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent & RICK SNIZEK Executive Editor - BOSTON — Seven cardinals, more than 50 bishops, 500 priests and myriad Bostonians eagerly awaited their new archbishop, Richard G. Henning, as he made his way to knock on the door of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on October 31. (
PHOTO: RICK SNIZEK)
PROVIDENCE— The Diocese of Providence announces with sadness that Most Reverend Louis E. Gelineau, D.D., J.C.L, S.T.L., Bishop Emeritus of Providence, died peacefully on November 7, 2024, at the age of 96 at Saint Antoine Residence in North Smithfield.
By Tyler-Lynne Tavares, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - NARRAGANSETT — By 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, the day had turned cool, quiet and sunny, and for those gathered on Narragansett Point Beach, it was the perfect day to make a difference. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) bands together every year across the country for Walk Like MADD, their signature fundraiser honoring victims and bringing public awareness to the dangers of drunk driving and underage drinking. (PHOTO: TYLER-LYNNE TAVARES)
By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor - PROVIDENCE — The Catholic Cemetery Conference held its 75th Anniversary Convention & Exposition in Providence from Sept. 30-Oct. 3, at the Omni Hotels & Resort. (PHOTO: RICK SNIZEK)
As Catholics approach the polls, we are asked to weigh many important issues. The U.S. bishops have reaffirmed that “the threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.”1 While they did warn us not to “dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty, and the death penalty,” they did give priority to upholding and defending our brothers’ and sisters’ most basic right—to live. (Photo: Rick Snizek)
By Cole DeSantis & Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic correspondents - PROVIDENCE – Four hundred plus members of the Northeast Lieutenancy of the United States for the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre joined together on Saturday, October 19, to welcome 49 new men and women to their ranks. (PHOTO: COLE DESANTIS)
PROVIDENCE—Today on the Solemnity of All Saints, the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Providence elected Reverend Monsignor Albert A. Kenney as diocesan administrator.
