News - Bishop Richard G. Henning RSS Feed

In Bishop Henning's Aug. 22 'The State of Hope' column in Rhode Island Catholic, he shares: "Last week, Salve Regina University rented space for a high-end political fundraiser on the campus in Newport. I only learned of the decision on the night before the event while away on retreat. I expressed my concerns to the administration to no avail..."

By now, you have seen the news that the Holy Father has appointed me the next Archbishop of Boston. Of course, I am grateful to the Holy Father for his confidence in me and for entrusting this ministry to me. I hope that you will all understand that the news of the appointment has left me with very mixed emotions and even a sense of grief to leave this beautiful Diocese of Providence.

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor, RI Catholic - BRAINTREE — It was a different feeling in the room this time as Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning was elevated to a new position within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church for the second time in less than two years. (Photo: Rick Snizek)

As I write these words, I am returning from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Over several days, more than 100,000 people visited the Congress with daily gatherings of 50,000. The daily schedule included Mass, adoration, talks, prayer of every kind and fellowship across acres of hotels, restaurants and the massive convention center. Each evening, we filled Lucas Oil Stadium for three hours of song, inspiration, and adoration...

American politics have become quite rancorous in recent years and the 2024 election season is shaping up to be another time of deep divisions among parties and candidates. People on all sides will admit that the atmosphere has become toxic, but most of us feel helpless to improve it. There are significant challenges for Catholics in this setting...

Recently a friend asked me to identify the best thing about my first year as the Bishop of Providence. I responded by saying “the priests!” last week in describing the purpose and work of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, ...

In contemporary culture some people misunderstand the nature of the Catholic Church, imagining it as a kind of supranational corporation in which the Holy Father issues the marching orders for Catholics across the world. In reality, the Catholic Church is a complex organism which exists in communion and in diversity...

Studies have demonstrated over and again that children have their best opportunity to thrive when they enjoy the blessing of a mother and a father. This is not to lessen the heroic contribution of many single parents or other family members who step in to assist. It is to say that we can and should still hope that each child might have good and loving parents who reflect God’s gift of creating humanity “male and female.”...

From Bishop Henning: "Each year in June, the Church observes the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The devotion was originally proposed by..."

Each year in June, the Church observes the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The devotion was originally proposed by Father John Eudes in the 1600s and spread far and wide through the witness of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

Transcendent and immanent — these are not words of everyday speech. They are theological words that express a tension found in language about God....

Bishop Henning delivers invocation at annual memorial to local firefighters who’ve died in the line of duty (Photo: Cole DeSantis)

I would like to express belated best wishes to all of the good mothers and grandmothers of our parishes and schools. I hope that Mother’s Day was a joyful celebration of gratitude to mothers for their love and devotion. Mother’s Day is also a traditional time to turn to yards and gardens as the land shakes off the vestiges of winter....

‘Our history has seen too many examples of human greed and selfishness destroying ecosystems and polluting the environment in pursuit of wealth and worldly power. Such exploitation inevitably harms people as well, and too often those who suffer are already those who are most vulnerable.’ Read now...

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PROVIDENCE — Bishop Richard G. Henning celebrated Mass and the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Dominic’s Chapel on the Providence College campus on Sunday, April 21. (PHOTO: COLE DESANTIS)

Child sexual abuse poisons all segments of society - families, schools, churches, community organizations, and health and welfare institutions. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 7 children in the United States experiences some form of childhood sexual abuse or neglect. That number is heartbreaking and cries out for a response.

From Bishop Henning: "Child sexual abuse poisons all segments of society - families, schools, churches, community organizations, and health and welfare institutions. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 7 children in the United States experiences some form of childhood sexual abuse or neglect. That number is heartbreaking and cries out for a response..."

Last week, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul was packed to overflowing for a Mass of Thanksgiving and farewell with Bishop-elect James Ruggieri. At the reception after the Mass, people waited upwards of two hours to greet him personally. It was a truly beautiful evening of prayer and fellowship and I am so grateful to the many volunteers and diocesan staff who worked to make the gathering possible. Of course, I am grateful for the Bishop-elect....

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As we raise awareness around the protection of young people, I would like to share with you my own experiences both here in the Diocese of Providence and in the wider Church. You may already be familiar with some or all of what I will say, but the importance of this topic bears repeating, and I invite your response and active participation as the People of God.

From Bishop Henning: "As we raise awareness around the protection of young people, I would like to share with you my own experiences both here in the Diocese of Providence and in the wider Church. You may already be familiar with some or all of what I will say, but the importance of this topic bears repeating, and I invite your response and active participation as the People of God..."