Pastor's Column 1-29-2023
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January 29, 2023Dear Parishioners,
We had a busy week here in the diocese of Providence. On Thursday, the Most Reverend Richard G. Henning was officially received as the Coadjutor Bishop of Providence at a Mass at the Cathedral. The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre was present, as well as Bishop Tobin, Evans, and numerous other clergy and faithful.
What is a Coadjutor Bishop? Unlike an Auxiliary Bishop, a Coadjutor Bishop has the right to automatic succession to the diocesan see upon the death, resignation, or transfer of the incumbent diocesan bishop. Bishops are required to submit a letter of resignation at the age of 75. So Bishop Tobin will submit his letter on April 1, 2023, his 75th Birthday. Until his resignation is accepted by the Pope, Bishop Tobin remains our Bishop. There are usually some months before the letter is accepted by the Pope. Once the letter has been accepted, Bishop Henning automatically and immediately becomes the Bishop of Providence. Like an Auxiliary Bishop, he collaborates with Bishop Tobin and aids him in the Diocese.
Bishop Henning is originally from the Diocese of Rockville Center. There he grew up and received ordination to the priesthood. His father is a retired firefighter, and his mother is a retired nurse. He is the oldest of five siblings. He attended Catholic schools for his education. He has spent a lot of time studying and learning!
He has a B.A. and M.A. in history from St. John’s University in New York. He studied for the priesthood at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in New York as well. After ordination in 1992, he continued his studies and earned a Licentiate in Biblical Theology at the Catholic University of American in Washington, D.C. He then earned a Doctorate from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Finally, he speaks English, Italian, and Spanish.
In 2018 he was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Center. Of course, he has not always been a bishop. He served as an associate pastor of a parish with a school (similar to our own parish), taught at the seminary, and served as the rectory of the seminary in New York.
Every bishop chooses a motto. Bishop Henning’s motto is “Duc in Altum,” which means “Put out into the deep.” It comes from the Gospel of St. Luke, when our Lord tells these words to St. Peter. Unexpectedly it leads to a great catch of fish, at which point out Lord tells Peter that he will be catching souls from now on. In our adventure of faith, the Lord calls each of us to put out into the deep to save ourselves and others.
We are blessed by God to have Bishop Henning. He is a concrete reminder of Christ’s love and concern for His people here in Rhode Island. As we know, Christ comes to us through the Sacraments, and the Sacraments come to us through space and time through apostolic succession. The bishop is the link to the very first apostles and to Christ. Please pray for Bishop Henning that he may be a good, wise, and holy pastor of souls. Please pray for each other, that we may be faithful and supportive members of our shepherd.
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
