Diocesan Administrator

The college of consultors must elect a diocesan administrator, namely the one who is to govern the diocese temporarily, within eight days from receiving notice of the vacancy of an episcopal see and without prejudice to the prescript of Can. 502, §3." - Code of Canon Law, Can. 421 §1

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.

On October 31, Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, the 9th Bishop of Providence, was installed as Archbishop of Boston which left the office of diocesan bishop vacant in Providence. The Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law requires that when there is such a vacancy the diocesan College of Consultors—a body of priests which assists in the governance of the diocese—elect a priest as diocesan administrator to govern until such time as a new bishop takes office. 

Upon accepting his election Monsignor Kenney made the profession of faith and the oath of fidelity before the College and notified the Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, of his election. 

Monsignor Albert A. Kenney, a priest of the Diocese of Providence for more than 30 years, was until now Moderator of the Curia and served as Vicar General from 2011 through Archbishop Henning’s appointment to Boston in August 2024. 

Monsignor Kenney is an alumnus of Providence College (B.A.) and the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas–Angelicum (Baccalaureate and Licentiate in Sacred Theology). He has served in a wide variety of roles and assignments including as an assistant pastor, vocations director, spiritual formator, seminary rector, high school chaplain, police chaplain, and on many boards and committees. Pope Benedict XVI granted him the title “Monsignor” in 2011. He resides at Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. 

The Diocesan Administrator governs with many of the same powers as a diocesan bishop, but with limitations on certain decisions with longer range impacts such as those dealing with finances and the appointment of pastors. Current diocesan policies, procedures, and most appointments remain in place. The diocesan administrator's temporary office ceases when a new bishop takes canonical possession of the diocese at the Mass of Installation, which typically occurs within two to four months after the Holy Father appoints a new bishop.

A diocesan administrator is bound by the obligations and possesses the power of a diocesan bishop, excluding those matters which are excepted by their nature or by the law itself. When he has accepted election, the diocesan administrator obtains power and no other confirmation is required, without prejudice to the obligation mentioned in Can. 833, n. 4." - Code of Canon Law, Can. 427 §1 and §2