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Whether it’s for a football player stricken during a Monday night game, or for an ailing pope at the Vatican, or for a persecuted cardinal in China, or for the restoration of peace in Ukraine, or for a missing mom in Massachusetts – it seems that the community has been summoned to prayer on an unusual number of occasions recently.

I have a framed, printed blessing hanging in my home, a gift from a religious sister in Ohio many years ago. It begins with these words: “May you be steadfast on your journey, powered by the message of love and the command to serve. May you wear the Gospel on your sleeve.”

December 15 was a joyous occasion over at the St. Martin de Porres Senior Center for the Diocese of Providence as they celebrated their annual Christmas party. The afternoon was full of carols, thoughtful gifts, a beautiful meal, and a special visit from Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. Bishop Tobin told the seniors that he prays that God will continue to bless them this Christmas season and in the new year to come.

Bishop Tobin prays with, blesses Emmanuel House guests during annual Christmas Party

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, on Dec. 20, presented store gift cards to Audra Mena and Madeline Gomez, two of the 1,600 families with new or expectant mothers each year who receive formula, infant supplies, clothing and other assistance from the Diocese of Providence’s Gabriel Project.

United with the universal Church, Bishop Tobin will celebrate Holy Mass on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Noon at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who this morning returned home to the Lord.

Bishop Tobin: Pope Benedict XVI served God and the Church with humility and generosity

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

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.

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!

“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...

Psalm 8 is a beautiful and soaring tribute to the dignity of man. Even in reflecting upon the grandeur of the universe, the psalmist is awe-struck by the importance of man in God’s plan of creation. “You have made him little less than a god; with glory and honor you crowned him,” he writes.

Bishop Tobin receives donation from Saint Cecilia School in Pawtucket

Many years ago, I attended a Peter, Paul and Mary concert in Pittsburgh. You know Peter, Paul and Mary – the famous folk group that sang Puff the Magic Dragon, If I Had a Hammer, Blowin’ in the Wind, and lots of other anthems to peace and justice. But at this concert, a few rows in front of me, were several young guys who apparently had a little too much to drink or smoke. They were carrying-on – loud, disrespectful and disruptive.....

It is very appropriate that we gather today, on the day before Thanksgiving – the day when we pause to recall and to thank Almighty God for all of the gifts and blessings which he has given us. Today we have another wonderful blessing for which to be grateful – the appointment of Bishop Richard Henning as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Providence.

Pope Francis Appoints Coadjutor Bishop of Providence Richard Henning; Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Robert Evans: The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D. as Coadjutor Bishop of Providence with right of succession and has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Robert C. Evans, J.C.L as Auxiliary Bishop of Providence. The changes were publicized today in Washington, D.C. by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Something to think about: Do you sometimes worry too much about material things?

One of the endearing qualities of Catholics is that we have great reverence and affection for our loved ones who have died. This is true throughout the year but especially in November, the month devoted to the faithful departed.

Something to think about: Parents whose children have abandoned the faith shouldn’t blame themselves, but rather just continue to give good example and pray patiently for the wandering sheep of their family. In the end, it’s all in God’s hands.