03/22/2023 This weekend we celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. And as we all know, the whole world was changed by this unplanned pregnancy.
03/08/2023 Like every other human family, the Holy Family had to confront real and concrete challenges. Yet, “in every situation, Joseph declared his own ‘fiat’” (PC 3). His ‘yes’ to the Lord meant that regardless of the hardship and personal sacrifice to himself, he consistently chose to put the needs of Mary and Jesus before his own. Joseph’s devotion helps reveal to us our own call to show special care for the lives of those whom God has entrusted to us
03/01/2023 The 40 Days for Life Lenten campaign began on Ash Wednesday and continues through Palm Sunday, April 2. 40 Days for Life encourages a positive, prayerful presence outside abortion facilities to show God’s love and mercy to those who visit and work at the abortion centers. Even if you cannot go out to pray, please pray and fast from your home. We saw a record seven lives saved from abortion in 2022 and have already witnessed two in 2023! This would not be possible without the prayers of the whole community..
02/22/2023 Bills have been filed in both the Rhode Island Senate and in the Rhode Island House of Representatives to legalize state taxpayer-funding for abortion-on-demand in Rhode Island. Let's hope and pray and insist that all of our legislators who call themselves pro-life will have the courage and the integrity to vote against any budget that allocates even one dime for the wanton slaughter of preborn babies in Rhode Island. To sign-up for timely alerts from Rhode Island Right to Life, in order to take action when needed, please visit www.rirtlaction.org.
02/14/2023 The Office of Life and Family Ministry and RI Right to Life are co- sponsoring the 40 Days for Life Lenten campaign, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22 through Palm Sunday, April 2. 40 Days for Life encourages a positive, prayerful presence outside abortion facilities to show God’s love and mercy to those who visit and work at the abortion centers. You can participate by spending one hour (or more) each week in prayer at Planned Parenthood, 175 Broad St, Providence. Sign-up at: www.40daysforlife.com/providence.
02/01/2023 The Church affirms the inviolable dignity of every person, regardless of the duration or extent of the person’s incapacity or dependency. Nothing diminishes the unchangeable dignity and sanctity of a person’s life, or the obligation to protect and care for it.
01/25/2023 When we encounter Christ, experience his love, and deepen our relationship with him, we become more aware of our own worth and that of others. His love for each person is cause for great joy, and growing understanding of this priceless treasure motivates us to share his love with others. Our lives are often changed by the witness of others; so too, others’ lives may be changed by our witness and authentic friendship with them.
01/18/2023 Monday, January 23 is a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children in all the Dioceses of the United States of America. Together we pray for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. As individuals, we are each called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting, and/or almsgiving.
01/03/2023 This January, we give thanks to God for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Join others in the celebration:
Servants of Christ for Life and the Diocese of Providence are sponsoring a bus trip on the 50th anniversary of the March for Life in Washington, DC, January 19-20. Alternatively, you can watch the March via live stream on https://marchforlife.org/.
A Holy Mass for Life, in thanksgiving for the gift of life, will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
The Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be visiting our diocese in various parishes throughout Rhode Island from January 7 through February 5.
For more information on any of these events, contact Lisa Cooley at 401-278-2518.
12/22/2022 As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, we pray in a special way for each family currently or previously residing in our own Holy Family Home. May God protect each mother and child as he did Mary, Mother of God, and Jesus, His only begotten son
12/19/2022 The infant Jesus “came into our world in a state of great vulnerability. He needed to be defended, protected, cared for and raised by Joseph” (PC 5). The humble and often hidden carpenter of Nazareth accompanied Mary in her pregnancy, assisted at the birth of the Messiah in a stable, presented Jesus in the Temple, fled with his family far from their homeland to protect them, and lovingly raised Jesus as his own son in the years to come… Joseph’s devotion helps reveal to us our own call to show special care for the lives of those whom God has entrusted to us.
12/06/2022 This week we honor Mary as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Unborn. “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
11/29/2022 In the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate Mary’s conception free from the stain of Original Sin, and we recognize that Mary’s life began at the moment she was conceived in the womb of St. Anne. So, too, does every human life begin at the moment of conception, lovingly knit together by God the Father.
11/23/2022 May God move us to prepare the way of the Lord by acting with tenderness and compassion, especially toward the most vulnerable among us
11/16/2022 Let us join with many people worldwide in praying for the Holy Father’s November prayer intention: we pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.
11/08/2022 Together, let us pray for all public officials, especially those newly elected: may they strive to govern with the wisdom of God, and protect life from conception to natural death.
10/26/2022 Please prayerfully consider how to vote your Catholic conscience on Tuesday, November 8th . We ask God to bring us leaders who will uphold the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death. PRO-LIFE General Assembly endorsements can be found on the Rhode Island Right to Life Action Center at www.rirtl.org.
10/23/2022 As disciples of Jesus, we are called to become neighbors to everyone (cf. Lk 10:29-37), and to show special favor to those who are poorest, most alone and most in need. In helping the hungry, the thirsty, the foreigner, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned—as well as the child in the womb and the old person who is suffering or near death—we have the opportunity to serve Jesus.
10/05/2022 An old Irish proverb says, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” Indeed, we are created to depend upon one another and walk together in suffering. But when family members or friends approach life's end, we may not know how best to “shelter” them. For some concrete ways we can compassionately care for them, go to www.usccb.org/end-of-life-care
09/27/2022 Life Chain Sunday is this weekend, October 2nd, 2pm-3pm. Bring your entire family to join a peaceful gathering of prayer and public witness for life and for the end of abortion. Some locations include:
St Patrick Church, Providence St Philip Church, Greenville St John Paull II Church, Pawtucket
For more information, visit https://dioceseofprovidence.org/ life-and-family-respect-life.
09/14/2022 “Suicidal individuals—with or without a terminal illness— typically do not want to die; they want to escape what they perceive to be an intolerable situation, and they inaccurately believe that suicide is their only way out. The patient requesting assisted suicide is often asking, ‘Does anyone want me to be alive, or care enough to talk me out of this request and support me through this difficult time?’” -USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “Every Suicide is Tragic”
09/07/2022 “Catholics, please vote with a well-formed conscience and choose candidates who respect life, morality, marriage, family, and our basic freedoms.” Often in RI, the Democratic primary determines the ultimate winner of the race. PRO-LIFE General Assembly endorsements (Senators and Representatives) can be found on the Rhode Island Right to Life Action Center at rirtl.org. Your pro-life vote is needed now more than ever!
08/24/2022 Your pro-life vote is needed now more than ever! Conscience rights are now being challenged here in Rhode Island. Often in RI, the Democratic primary determines the ultimate winner of the race. Visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org to learn about the steps you can take to form your conscience, watch videos, and access other great resources. Then vote on Tuesday, September 13th. PRO-LIFE General Assembly endorsements (Senators and Representatives) can be found on the Rhode Island Right to Life Action Center at rirtl.org.
08/10/2022 Despite our best efforts, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the profound value of human life when we see its full weakness and fragility. Yet, the faithful care of human life until its natural end is entrusted to every person.
07/27/2022 Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon wrote, “Our goal has never been simply to make abortion illegal. Our goal is to make it unthinkable. Our battle to protect the most fragile and vulnerable of all human life, namely the unborn child, continues on the state level,” including here in Rhode Island.
07/19/2022 Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s statement on the US Supreme Court Ruling on Roe v. Wade: “I am very pleased that the Supreme Court has now effectively overturned Roe v. Wade that for decades has directed abortion legislation in this country...Indeed, the commitment on behalf of human life does not require only a change of laws, but also a change of hearts. This is, ultimately, a spiritual battle...the Diocese of Providence will continue to preach and teach about the inalienable dignity of human life...and we will pray fervently for the change of hearts that enables all people, especially our leaders, to recognize the beauty and the value of human life and how contrary abortion is to God’s will and his eternal design for the well-being of the human family.”
06/29/2022 Now is the time to begin the work of building a post-Roe America… a time for healing wounds and repairing social divisions; it is a time for reasoned reflection and civil dialogue, and for coming together to build a society and economy that supports marriages and families… where every woman has the support and resources she needs to bring her child into this world in love. -USCCB
06/24/2022 Religious freedom gives us the space to carry out the mission that Jesus has entrusted to the Church. Religious freedom means that Catholics, and all people of goodwill, are free to seek the truth and to live in accordance with that truth, and so to strengthen our common life as a nation. Religious Freedom Week is June 22-29 see https:// www.usccb.org/committees/religious-liberty/religiousfreedom-week for prayers and action items.
06/08/2022 The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” -Luke 3:10-11 Thank God, every day, if you have something to share. Our parish family offers a multitude of ways that each of us can share what we have with our brothers and sisters, in imitation of our patron, St Anthony.
05/25/2022 The Lord says to us, “Do not fear: I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). He speaks these words not as one who merely observes our pain, but as one who experienced immense suffering. And the very wounds that bear witness to his suffering indicate the essence of our identity and worth: we are loved by God. Reflecting on the healed wounds of the Risen Christ, we see that even our most difficult trials can be the place where God manifests his victory. He makes all things beautiful. He makes all things new.
05/11/2022 Previously, we announced a life that was saved from abortion in January. We are happy to report that another life was saved in February, and a third in March. At the end of April, sidewalk counselors persuaded an additional young woman to board Ancora, the Mobile Care Center, which was parked outside of Planned Parenthood, to provide alternative options (not a confirmed save, but our hope is with God). Not everyone is called to pray at the sidewalk of an abortion facility. But prayers are needed most between 6 - 8 am on Tuesday and Friday mornings when surgical abortions are scheduled. Please continue to pray for all pregnant moms in difficult circumstances and if you can, be intentional about praying during these hours. Your prayers are making a difference!
05/04/2022 “We are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life, the ‘culture of death’ and the ‘culture of life.’ We find ourselves not only ‘faced with’ but necessarily ‘in the midst of’ this conflict: we are all involved and we all share in it, with the inescapable responsibility of choosing to be unconditionally pro - life.” — Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 28
04/20/2022 May those who have participated in an abortion and feel they have committed an unforgiveable sin come to know the Lord’s limitless mercy and turn to Him for forgiveness and healing.
04/10/2022 May the glory of the Resurrection inspire lasting hope in all who work to protect human life. Like us, Christ entered the world through the womb of a woman. He willingly experienced the fullness of human suffering. He breathed his last on the Cross at Calvary in order that He might save us. Therefore, “God is the foundation of hope: not any god, but the God who has a human face and who has loved us to the end” (Spe salvi 31).
03/30/2022 During this Lenten season, may all who have participated in abortion receive the courage to return to the Lord, who is gracious and merciful. A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat will be held Friday, April 29th through Sunday, May 1st . This supportive post - abortion weekend retreat of healing is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information on a confidential retreat or for a confidential consultation, call Lisa at 278-2518 or, in Spanish, call Loren at 742-1510 or Rosa at 688-4687.
03/23/2022 During this Lenten season, may all who have participated in abortion receive the courage to return to the Lord, who is gracious and merciful. A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat will be held Friday, April 29th through Sunday, May 1st . This supportive post - abortion weekend retreat of healing is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information on a confidential retreat or for a confidential consultation, call Lisa at 278-2518 or, in Spanish, call Loren at 742-1510 or Rosa at 688-4687.
03/13/2022 An unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult and frightening time, and it’s important that your friend knows you are thinking of her and supporting her. Your support might be the only support she receives. Even if we never know how, the smallest things we do can change someone’s life. On Saturday, March 19th, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then on Friday, March 25th, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord: the most unexpected pregnancy in history.
03/02/2022 National advocates for physician assisted suicide once again have Rhode Island in their sights. Assisted Suicide was the very first bill filed in the House this year, and a Senate counterpart has now also been filed. It is anticipated that hearings will soon be held in both chambers. For a legal analysis of Rhode Island bills H 6600 and S 2112, please contact [email protected] For more information, please contact Rhode Island Right to Life: [email protected] Please continue to pray, fast, and take action against these bills.
02/17/2022 Join the Ash Wednesday Lenten Procession to kick-off the 40 Days for Life spring campaign: March 2nd at 12:45 PM, following the noon mass at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul. We will process from the cathedral to Planned Parenthood in a peaceful and prayerful witness to life and pray the rosary together. Vigil hours from March 2nd through April 10th are 7 AM - 7 PM. Find a prayer partner and sign - up at 40DaysForLife.com/Providence. For more information contact Lisa Cooley at 278-2518 or [email protected] We will only pursue peaceful solutions to the violence of abortion. We will show compassion and reflect Christ’s love to all abortion facility employees, volunteers, and clients.
01/26/2022 On a cold morning in mid - January, another life was saved from the sidewalk at Planned Parenthood in Providence. The father of a pre - born child, heading for an appointment prayed to God for a sign not to go through with the scheduled abortion. Although the appointment had not been canceled, when he and the mother arrived, the clinic was closed. A sidewalk counselor approached the couple and referred them to the Mother of Life Pregnancy Center where the mom and child could get some real medical care, as well as emotional and spiritual care.
Not everyone is called to pray at the sidewalk of an abortion facility. But prayers are needed most between 6 AM - 8 AM on Tuesday and Friday mornings when surgical abortions are scheduled. Please continue to pray for all pregnant moms in difficult circumstances and if you can, be intentional about praying during these hours. One more life was saved here in Rhode Island, all due to the prayers of the community!
01/19/2022 The following events will take place this month, both locally and nationally January 19th through 27th: the annual novena for the protection of human life. You can sign up at 9daysforlife.com
Saturday, January 29th: annual Pro - life Rally at the RI State House on the city - side (south) steps from 11 AM - Noon
12/21/2021 May the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ awaken in our hearts wonder at the precious gift of every child.
12/06/2021 Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, may Our Lord grant us the grace to truly and courageously live his Gospel of life.
11/29/2021 In the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate Mary’s conception free from the stain of Original Sin, and we recognize that Mary’s life began at the moment she was conceived in the womb of St. Anne. So, too, does every human life begin at the moment of conception, lovingly knit together by God the Father.
11/23/2021 Having received the gift of the Gospel of Life, we are the people of life and a people for life. It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of Life to the world. To proclaim Jesus is to proclaim life itself. Gratitude and joy at the incomparable dignity of the human person impel us to bring the Gospel of life to the hearts of all people and make it penetrate every part of society.” -USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities respectlife.org/gospel-of-life-summary
11/7/2021 The Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization could impact the fate of millions of preborn children and their mothers. Register at www.prayfordobbs.com to virtually join thousands of Catholics and Protestants across the country on November 18th at 8 PM (EST) as we come together in prayer.
"We know earthly death is not the end, but rather the door through which we must pass to gain eternal life. Because of our belief and hope in the Resurrection, we can face death not with fear, but with preparation... We prepare for eternal life by choosing to love and follow God now, in our daily lives and decisions.” -USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities respectlife.org/end-of-life-considerations