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The early church spread rapidly across the Mediterranean world. The efficient Roman roads carried missionaries such as Paul and Barnabas. The violent attempts by the Roman Empire to stop the spread …
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10/19/23
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On Sunday, I enjoyed a beautiful day on Federal Hill for the Columbus Day festival and parade. After the parade and some wonderful Italian food, I walked back to the Cathedral and happened to meet a …
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10/12/23
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A print of a famous Caravaggio painting of Saint Jerome hangs on my office wall. Saint Jerome was a foundational biblical scholar and is recognized as the patron saint of those who study and …
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10/5/23
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When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses feared “looking upon God.” It is not an unreasonable reaction to an encounter with the infinite. Like all human beings, Moses was a …
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9/28/23
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Over the years and in a variety of circumstances, I have had the opportunity to provide pastoral care to police officers. As a result, I have seen the enormous pressures that the job places on …
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9/21/23
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At this time of year, it is common to celebrate Masses of the Holy Spirit. The best known of these are the “Red Masses” celebrated near the opening of the Supreme Court session. Called …
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9/14/23
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Maybe it’s the summer weather, maybe it’s the habit learned over our years of schooling, but summer always seems to promise time for rest, recreation and some much-needed lazy days. I …
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9/7/23
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At the borders of Rhode Island, there is usually a blue sign that states “Discover Beautiful Rhode Island.” I have been taking that invitation very seriously — using my first months …
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8/24/23
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“I will give you shepherds after my own heart.” Jer 3:15 In 1992, three months before I was ordained a priest, Saint Pope John Paul II offered an Apostolic Exhortation concerning …
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7/27/23
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It has been a singular blessing to be appointed by Pope Francis to minister in the Diocese of Providence. I am doing my best to learn the ways and the beauty of my new Rhode Island home. There are so …
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7/13/23
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“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the …
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6/29/23
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Last week, I spoke of my gratitude to, and admiration for, our priests. I also invited all of us to pray for our priests by invoking the mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This week, I would like to …
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6/22/23
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Two weeks ago, I offered some thoughts on the importance of the Church of the home and the crucial role of good mothers and fathers in the spiritual care of their children. That sacred calling is …
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6/15/23
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You may have noticed that most parish churches use beautiful and sometimes ornate gold or silver chalices for the celebration of Holy Mass. How would you feel if you happened to see your parish …
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6/8/23
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Here in the Diocese of Providence, the spring confirmation season has just concluded. Bishop Tobin, Bishop Evans and I have been traveling across the diocese since April for the conferral of this …
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6/1/23
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During this month of May, I have continued my tour of this beautiful state. In recent weeks, I have had the privilege of participating in several memorial gatherings. On May 6, I traveled to the …
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5/25/23
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At the Mass of Reception on January 26, I told you about my surprise and delight when first encountering the Rhode Island State Flag with its Christian and Biblical symbol of the anchor and the motto …
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5/18/23
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