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Today we celebrate the 18th anniversary of Bishop Emeritus Thomas J. Tobin's installation as the eighth Bishop of Providence on this day in 2005 in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence! His was one of the last American appointments made by Saint John Paul II.

In his final public Mass as the eighth Bishop of Providence, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin officiated the Rite of Candidacy at St. John Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, for Diocese of Providence Seminarians Vincent “Jay” Zizza and Michael Santos

WARWICK — On Monday, May 1, seven hours after Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, D.D., from the pastoral governance of the diocese, the eighth Bishop of Providence appeared before an annual gathering of priests of the diocese to offer his thanks for their ministry and to offer his support to the Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., the ninth Bishop of Providence.

PROVIDENCE — Bishop Thomas J. Tobin blessed a plaque affixed to the back wall of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul dedicated to Barbara and her late husband Ralph Papitto, in honor of their stewardship to the diocese. Barbara Papitto donated $4.5 million to help complete the restoration of the cathedral’s twin towers last summer.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, D.D., from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Providence. As required by the Code of Canon Law, Bishop Tobin presented a letter of resignation to the Holy Father upon reaching the age of 75 on April 1.

Bishop's latest column in the Rhode Island Catholic

Bishop Tobin visited the diocesan homeless shelter and helped to serve the 35 guests an Easter brunch of ham, rice and green beans. After offering a blessing, Bishop Tobin distributed prayer cards to each of the guests present.

One of the beautiful things about spring is the new and abundant life that appears. All around us, nature is giving evidence of that new life in the lengthening days, the blooming of plants and flowers, and the animals emerging from their dens and nests accompanied by their little ones.

From Bishop Thomas J. Tobin's Youth Mental Wellness Task Force

Bishop Tobin’s Youth Mental Wellness Task Force produces support guide for parishes and schools

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of Providence: A blessed and happy Easter to you! We recall that when the holy Apostles and the devout women went to the tomb on Easter morning, they found that the tomb was empty and they were greeted by angels with the question: “Why do you seek the Living One among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.” (Lk 24:5-6) That question, and that statement, have resounded through the ages, and they give the world, and they give us new hope, new strength and the promise of new and eternal life!

An authentic celebration of Easter, the Resurrection of Christ, is such a world-changing, life-changing event that it should inspire in us a tidal wave of emotion, and the growth of important virtues. Among the most prominent of those virtues are hope, peace and joy.

There’s a reason it’s called “Holy Week” and that’s because in these days we will enter into the deepest mysteries of the Christian Faith. In this week we will observe and actually share in the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the events that redeemed mankind, reconciled us to God, and gave us a new beginning with the hope of eternal life. This week should be a retreat for us, a time when as much as possible we set aside our normal routines and turn our undivided attention to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, we praise You for all Your gifts to us. In a special way, we thank You for Bishop Tobin. Bless him always in Your love.....

Did you know that 18 years ago today, on March 31, 2005, Bishop Tobin was named the eighth Bishop of Providence by Pope John Paul II?!

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin invites us to pray for the Holy Father at this time...

Recently, in the mornings, I’ve taken to listening to music instead of watching the news on TV. I’ve found that some soft and gentle music is a much more peaceful way to start the day than hearing the accounts of murder and mayhem, corruption and crime.

There are several incidents in the Gospels in which Jesus cured the blind and allowed them to see. These miracles are among the most dramatic miracles that Jesus performed, for they completely changed the lives of the people he touched. But it’s good to recall, too, that in working his miracles, Jesus was concerned not only for the physical well-being of those who turned to him, but for their spiritual health as well.

You’ve probably seen the TV commercials for the Progressive Insurance Company in which a counsellor, a “Parenta-life Coach” identified as Dr. Rick, tries to stop young adults from becoming like their parents. Dr. Rick’s goal is to prevent his clients from adopting the little idiosyncrasies, the embarrassing behavior, of their parents in a number of everyday settings, e.g. at the supermarket, at the ballgame, or in an elevator.

PROVIDENCE — Local youth and adults were honored at this year’s diocesan Catholic Youth Ministry and Scout Awards, held at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul on Sunday, March 5.