News - December 2022 RSS Feed

The Diocese of Providence mourns the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and we pray for the peaceful repose of his immortal soul.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI passed away Dec. 31 at 9:34 a.m. in his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens. Pope Francis is scheduled to preside over the funeral Mass Jan. 5 in St. Peter's Square. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

The year 2022 has been one for the ages in the Diocese of Providence. In January, the diocese began the second half of its sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary, celebration, with many large-scale events planned to engage the faithful. On February 16, 150 years to the date that Pope Pius IX signed the papal bull which officially created the Diocese of Providence on Feb. 16, 1872, a copy of that Vatican document was placed on display at the cathedral. It would turn out to be a historic year in other ways also, including the naming of a coadjutor bishop in December to serve alongside Bishop Thomas J. Tobin as he prepares to submit his intention to retire when he turns 75 on April 1, as prescribed under canon law. At the same time, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans, who submitted his letter of retirement in September, when he turned 75.

Scripture tells us practically nothing about the first years and the boyhood of the Child Jesus...

On Sunday, December 11, the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul held the annual Sounds of the Season concert to raise funds for the Diocese of Providence’s “Keep the Heat On” program.

St. Nicholas — Father Daniel Mahoney, associate pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church — pays a special visit to the students at the parish school in East Greenwich on Dec. 6.

As we approach the end of 2022 and the last chance to make a tax-deductible charitable donation to a program that makes a real impact and fulfills a real need for Rhode Islanders, please consider a donation in any amount in support of Bishop Tobin's Keep the Heat On fund.

The diocesan celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe took place on Monday, Dec. 12, at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence...

A Child is born to us! A Son is given to us. And He will be our ruler. He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. - Psalm 89:2

"...the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.  For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.  She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:20-21

Bishop Tobin is pleased to share once again this year his favorite column about Christmas.

The 10 a.m. Christmas morning Holy Mass from the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence with Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence will be live streamed from our diocesan YouTube channel - click to watch!

Join us for the Celebration of Christmas at the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul. Watch the live stream of the 10 a.m. Christmas morning Mass with Bishop Tobin on the diocesan YouTube channel, youtube.com/DioceseofProvidenceRI.

In observance of Christmas and New Years, please be advised that the diocesan Chancery Office Building, located at One Cathedral Square, Providence, will be closed December 23 through January 2, reopening Tuesday, January 3 at 8:30 a.m.

Held at St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith St., Providence Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.” (Lk 2:7) Those few words describe the most common of human events – the birth of a child...

From the Smallest State to the Little Town of Bethlehem! RI Catholic Executive Editor Rick Snizek visited Bethlehem, West Bank, on December 10, while attending a Media Summit of invited Christian journalists and professionals from around the world. Click for photos!

“The promises of the Lord I will sing forever, proclaim your loyalty through all ages.” – Psalm 89:2

Click for the full schedule. Can't make it to the Cathedral for Holy Mass on Christmas? Join Bishop Tobin at 10 a.m. via live stream on the Diocese of Providence YouTube channel, youtube.com/DioceseofProvidenceRI

Rev. Robert F. Hawkins, 74, Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke Parish, Barrington, died on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Calling Hours will be in St. Luke Church, 108 Washington Road, Barrington, on Tuesday, December 20, from 3 – 7pm, followed by a Mass for Vocations at 7pm. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of Father’s soul on Wednesday, December 21, at 10am, at St. Luke Church. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.