WESTERLY — The newly appointed bishop of Rhode Island will be in town next week to participate in a beloved, 95-year-old tradition with deep roots in Westerly s Italian community.
While the Diocese of Providence flies relatively under the radar, it gained national attention in recent years in part because of the outspokenness of its outgoing bishop, Thomas Tobin.
WASHINGTON (OSV News) Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, and Coadjutor Bishop Richard G. Henning of Providence immediately succeeds him.
Bishop Tobin turned 75 April 1, the age when canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. He had headed the statewide diocese since 2005. Pope Francis named Bishop Henning, 58, as Providence s coadjutor Nov. 23. Before that he was auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rockvill
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (OSV NEWS) At the Mass of Reception welcoming him to the Diocese of Providence as coadjutor, Bishop Richard G. Henning began his homily by marveling at the magnificence of Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence. It s even more beautiful to see it filled with the people of God, offering praise and worship to our Creator and Savior, he said during the Jan. 26 Mass.
He delivered his homily in his signature style, without notes while standing in front of the altar.
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