Dear Parishioners:
On Monday, I awoke to the surprising news that Bishop Henning has been named the new Archbishop of Boston. We certainly congratulate him and offer him our prayers. However, it is a bittersweet moment for the Church of Providence. We also thank Sean Cardinal O'Malley, who has faithfully and tirelessly served the Church in many ways for many decades. His Eminence justly deserves his retirement at age 80.
His Eminence Sean Cardinal O’Malley and His Excellency Archbishop Richard Henning speak at a press conference on Monday, August 5, 2024.
While he has only been with us in Providence for a little over a year, Archbishop-designee Henning has had a tremendous impact on the Diocese in that short time. He has been an outstanding Bishop to and for us in his short time in Providence. We thank him for his ministry, leadership, and many pastoral visits, especially to OLM.
Archbishop Henning preaching at Confirmation Mass at Our Lady of Mercy in October 2023.
In naming him the Archbishop of Boston, Pope Francis has chosen a hardworking, wise, and faithful shepherd. Our loss is truly Boston's gain. Let us pray for the clergy, religious, and laity of the Diocese of Providence and the Archbishop of Boston in this time of change and transition.
Even though he is going to Boston, Archbishop Henning continues to administer the Diocese of Providence as Pope Francis named him the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese. He will serve as Apostolic Administrator until he is installed as Archbishop of Boston on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston.
Many parishioners have asked who will be appointed the new Bishop of Providence and when it will happen. Except for the Holy Spirit, nobody knows the answer to those questions. Pope Francis decides to appoint bishops and is free to select anyone he chooses.
The process of selecting candidates for the episcopacy normally begins at the diocesan level. It then proceeds through a series of consultations until it reaches Rome. This process is bound by strict confidentiality. It involves several important players—the most influential being the Apostolic Nuncio, the Pope's personal representative to the United States, the Congregation for Bishops in the Vatican, and the Holy Father. It can be time-consuming, often taking eight months or more to complete. So, for the foreseeable future, we will have no Bishop. Pray for our Diocese and pray Pope Francis appoints another loving, wise, and strong shepherd for our Church.
After October 31, Church law requires the College of Consultors, a group of eight Providence priests, to convene within eight days to elect a priest to serve as the Diocesan Administrator. Any priest or bishop of at least 35 can be elected to this position.
The Diocesan Administrator continues to administer the Diocese and its many offices, ministries, and parishes without innovations. He continues regular operations, maintains the diocese's good order, and consults the College of Consultors for major decisions.
Assumption of the Virgin, El Greco, 1577-1579
This week, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15. We reflect on the wonder of Mother Mary's Assumption, body, and soul into heavenly glory. Mary's Assumption opens a graced path for our sanctification now on earth, giving us hope of sharing in the glory of her resurrected son, Jesus.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a holy day of obligation for Catholics. This means Catholics are obligated to attend Mass as they are on Sundays. There are three Masses at OLM for the holy day. On Wednesday, August 14, there is a Vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m., and on Thursday, August 15, Masses are offered at 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. There is ample opportunity to get to Mass and honor the Mother of God on her special feast.
Our good Franciscan Apostolic Sisters, Sister Lourdes, Sister Emma, and Sister Jane, returned home safely last week. Their two weeks of chapter meetings and Retreat in Peoria with Sisters from across the country were fruitful. Welcome home, Sisters!
Our School Supply Drive for St. Patrick School begins next week. Please see the flyer in the bulletin. Thank you for your support. Prayerful best wishes to Archbishop Henning! See you at Holy Day Masses on the Assumption. Happy VJ Day! Be well, do good, and God Bless. Go, Sox!!!