Creche in the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, Providence, RI
Photo by Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor, Rhode Island Catholic
A Christmas Message from Bishop Tobin

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Is 9:1)

This beautiful scriptural verse that we hear each year at Christmastime seems especially appropriate this year. With a global pandemic, economic challenges, civil unrest, intense political divisions, and perhaps personal difficulties as well, it seems that the whole world has been walking in darkness.

But as often happens, our faith in Jesus Christ comes to the rescue. In the birth of Jesus we have indeed “seen a great light.” His living presence among us gives us every reason for comfort and joy, and renewed hope for the New Year. Jesus is, after all, Emmanuel, the God who is with us; and because God is with us, even in the darkest of days, we have nothing to fear.

Dear friends in the Diocese of Providence, please be assured of my gratitude and special prayers and blessings in this Holy Season. Thank you for all you do for Christ and His Church. And may you have a prayerful and joyous Christmas, and a peaceful New Year filled with God’s finest blessings!
A Blessed Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year to you and yours,
Thomas J. Tobin
Bishop of Providence
Watch the live broadcast of Christmas Day Mass from the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence
As you Celebrate Christmas . . .
St. Joseph, the Unsung Hero
From Bishop Tobin: The Imitation of Christ
A few years ago, as Christmas approached, someone mentioned to me that it was a shame that there aren’t more Christmas cards depicting St. Joseph with the Baby Jesus. Since that comment, I’ve paid more attention to Christmas pictures, and while there are many of the Madonna and Child, and lots with the Holy Family, it’s true that pictures of Jesus and Joseph are pretty rare.

Pope's advice for Christmas during COVID
Gospel Reading for Christmas Day
Luke 2:15-20
When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
"Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.  
May you and your family have a blessed and happy New Year!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence
Office of Communications
One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI
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