Rhode Island Archives

Providence College cemetery reconsecrated after vandalism attack

Jul 2, 2020

Two days after a vandal defaced some of the gravestones and a central cross with swastikas at the Dominican Cemetery at Providence College, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Providence reconsecrated and rededicated the sacred grounds where Dominican friars have been buried since the college’s founding in 1917.

By Rick Snizek

Priests are on front lines of COVID-19 as they minister to the sick, dying

Jun 28, 2020

The level of access health care facilities have granted to chaplains ministering to the sick and dying has varied, with most bedside visits disallowed altogether at the height of the pandemic out of extreme caution to prevent the virus from spreading further among the general population.

By Rick Snizek

Author: Rhode Island founder’s religious liberty views speak to Catholics

Jun 28, 2020

It may require more effort than in the past to observe the U.S. bishops’ annual Religious Freedom Week, ending June 29, with fewer days than the original two-week Fortnight for Freedom window and, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the closure of churches, or strict limits on Mass attendance, put in place either by dioceses or governments.

By Mark Pattison

Ex-priest accused of using parish money to buy TV, furniture

Jun 17, 2020

A former Catholic priest in Rhode Island is accused of using parish money to make $40,000 in purchases before leaving the priesthood in 2019.

By Associated Press

Providence bishop sends hope, addresses challenges in letter to diocese

Apr 22, 2020

The bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, said it’s his “aspiration” that churches reopen for Pentecost, May 31, “even with a limited number of worshippers if necessary.”

By Rhina Guidos

Rhode Island Special Olympians keep the faith as Summer Games canceled

Apr 13, 2020

The Rhode Island Special Olympics is the latest major sporting event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving athletes heartbroken but hopeful as they look ahead to competing and sharing their gifts with the state once again.

By Laura Kilgus