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CV NEWS FEED // Since taking over last year, Bishop Richard Henning has revitalized the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, and is now set to bring his transformative approach to Boston as he succeeds Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley as archbishop.
Bishop Henning first came to Providence from the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, as coadjutor bishop in 2022. He will officially be installed as Boston’s seventh archbishop on Oct. 31, as reported by CatholicVote. Until then, he will continue his duties in Providence. The appointment of his successor is pending a decision from the Pope.
The Rhode Island Current reported that, according to Rev. Christopher Mahar, pastor of St. Augustine Church in Providence, the Bishop’s tenure in Rhode Island was marked by efforts to energize the church. Rev. Mahar noted that Bishop Henning’s humble and authentic leadership was “a breath of fresh air” and that he had a positive impact on the diocesan priests.
“He was a shepherd and a father,” Rev. Mahar stated, “which is an important aspect of priestly ministry — and he really fulfilled that role.”
Bishop Henning emphasized that in his new role in Boston, he will remain focused on pastoral care. He said his primary goal is “to help the Catholics, the faithful of this archdiocese form their consciences.”
Providence College Associate Professor of Theology Jim Keating expressed optimism that Bishop Henning’s past approach in Providence will be exactly what the Catholic Church of New England needs.
“He’s been meeting with people, talking, connecting with big players and trying to figure out what the diocese’s strengths and weaknesses were,” Keating said of Bishop Henning’s tenure in Rhode Island. “He’s energized things.”
