Dear Parishioners:
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. They are the Patron Saints of the Diocese of Providence, so it is a special day for Catholics in Providence. We pray for our Bishop, priests, religious, and faithful, asking Saints Peter and Paul to intercede for us and our Diocese. Happy Feast Day!
On this Feast Day in Rome, newly installed Metropolitan Archbishops receive the pallium from the Holy Father. A pallium is made from the wool of lambs, which are blessed each year on the Feast of St. Agnes (January 21), and is a yoke-shaped vestment that covers the shoulders. The pallium symbolizes the authority and pastoral duty of the Metropolitan Archbishop over their flock, as well as caring for their flock. It serves as a reminder that we are all spiritually connected to our Mother the Church, our Holy Father, and the Church's magisterium.
A pallium
With the laying of the pallium on the shoulders of the archbishop by the Holy Father, the Metropolitan Archbishops are then sent back to their own archdiocese to extend the pastoral ministry of our Holy Father. We pray for the Archbishops, especially for Archbishop Henning, our former Bishop, who receives his pallium today from Pope Leo XIV.
Today is also the First Anniversary of the Ordination to the Priesthood of our new Associate Pastor, Father Brodeur. Last June 29, he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Henning at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. He arrives from Rome this week on July 1 to begin his assignment. Pray for him as he begins his priestly ministry at Our Lady of Mercy. Ad multos annos, Father!
Sadly, there will be no one ordained to the priesthood this year for the Diocese of Providence. Next year, we anticipate ordaining three new priests. However, many of our priests are approaching or have already reached the retirement age of 75. Don't worry. I turn sixty in July, which means I have fifteen years before I think about retiring! However, please pray fervently for more vocations to the priesthood for the Diocese.
This week, we celebrate Independence Day. I love the Fourth of July. It's summertime, school's out, and families and individuals take vacations. There are fireworks and cookouts with family and friends. I remember the great Bicentennial celebrations of 1976 when I was 11 years old. My Father took us to watch the Tall Ships sail into Newport Harbor. Next year, we celebrate our nation's Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026! I am looking forward to it! As we celebrate July 4, recall the opening prayer for Mass on Independence Day:
"Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved, we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth."
Our Lady of Mercy School students Caroline Colligan, First Place Winner, Aileen Block, Second Place Winner, at the State Civics Bee with Mr. P.J. O’Neil , OLM Middle School History Teacher.
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the founding of our nation. In light of that, I offer my congratulations to our now-rising OLM School eighth-grade students, Aileen Block and Caroline Colligan, who took home the top two places in the Rhode Island State Civics Bee last Tuesday evening!
The State Civics Bee, which is part of a national competition, was hosted by the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce. Students from across Rhode Island qualified for Tuesday's final by submitting an essay explaining how they would address a problem in their local community using civic virtues and the principles of our country's founding. Aileen and Caroline were two of only twenty state-wide finalists, and out of those twenty, they prevailed as the top two scorers on Tuesday!
Aileen took home second place, and Caroline was the overall state champion, which qualifies her to represent Rhode Island in the national finals this fall! We are very proud of their outstanding work. We also want to thank our OLM middle school history teacher, Mr. O'Neill, who supported their participation and whose class helped prepare the girls for the competition. Well done!!
Happy Fourth of July! Get ready to welcome Father Brodeur to OLM next weekend! Be well. Do Good. God Bless. God Bless America!!