A few hours after it was announced in Rome and Washington April 8 that Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., would be the new bishop of the Diocese of Providence, R.I., he greeted the people of his new flock in an emotional news conference from the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a wonderful moment – a little overwhelming,” he said. Bishop Lewandowski currently serves as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
He acknowledged his introduction by Monsignor Albert A. Kinney, who has served as diocesan administrator since the previous bishop, Archbishop Richard G. Henning, became archbishop of Boston last fall. Noting that his last name can be hard to say, he said, “Just call me Bruce or Bishop Bruce, that’s easier.”
Redemptorists like him, in general, shy away from aspiring to the episcopacy, reflecting the charism of the order’s founder, St. Alphonsus Liguori. He said he never expected to be a bishop, much less an ordinary – a bishop who leads a diocese. “I never expected to be coming to such a beautiful place.”
A native of Ohio, he has served in New York, the West Indies, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
At the news conference, he spoke in Spanish and Portuguese, two languages in which he is fluent, and which are important in the Providence Diocese, which covers the whole state of Rhode Island.
At more than one point, he was overcome with emotion, and near tears. “I’m a crier, so you’re just gonna get that – especially today,” he told those gathered at the cathedral and watching via livestream, including family members in Ohio and Michigan.
He said he had learned of his appointment via a phone call March 29 from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, who reached him while he was on Maryland Route 153 returning from a scouting retreat. The nuncio was letting him know that Pope Francis had selected him as the 10th bishop for this diocese that was established in 1872.
“I am grateful to the Holy Father for his confidence in appointing me here,” Bishop Lewandowski said.
He said that he had already received warm welcomes when he arrived the day before the announcement. “I’m sure as time goes on, I’m going to find even greater beauty in the people in this diocese.”
He said being a priest has enriched his life and brought him closer to the Lord and his people. “I love the church. There’s nothing I would rather do than serve God’s people in the church. I love being a priest. I love being a Redemptorist. I’m going to love being a bishop,” Bishop Lewandowski said as he choked with emotion.
He said Pope Francis, in his recent encyclical “Dilexit Nos,” on the Sacred Heart, “encourages us to open our hearts … to dive in and plumb the depth of our hearts.”
“This week my heart is full of questions – important questions. Maybe your heart is full of questions, too,” the bishop said. “Some are easily answered; some will take time. We will have time to meet each other, learn about each other, get to know each other.”
He said Archbishop William E. Lori told him it would be easy to fall in love with the people of Providence. “He’s right. I think it’s started already,” the bishop said. “Today I give you my heart.”
He said he is inspired by Pope Francis’ emphasis on two things: closeness and synodality.
“We need to be close to each other – physical, spiritual, emotional. This closeness is evangelical in nature, evangelizing. The Gospel rubs off us onto others. We can share what Jesus has done in our lives and God’s goodness,” he said.
In terms of synodality, he noted that he was responsible for organizing the local portions of discussions in advance of the World Synod on Synodality and that it was important to conduct all of that with a “listening heart.”
“Every conversation with every person is an opportunity to learn more and grow more and encounter Christ,” Bishop Lewandowski said.
He said he would focus on prayer, education, advocacy and accompaniment. He said it is important for the church to teach and advocate. “When something’s wrong, it’s wrong, and we need to advocate and stand up for people,” he said, noting that the church must defend and care for life from conception to natural death.
He said Catholic Charities, which has a robust presence in Rhode Island, is a form of accompaniment, and that the greatest problem is to be friendless and feel unlovable.
Remarking on the tough times in today’s culture, especially for immigrants, he said, “I want to be with you in this. Let’s be in it together and see what we can do.”
He noted that he would be meeting with a lot of people and “If you can connect the meeting with eating, I’m all for that,” Bishop Lewandowski said, acknowledging a sweet tooth and eliciting a laugh from those present.
Later, Bishop Lewandowski celebrated Mass at noon in the cathedral. He said he would return this week to Baltimore to begin a transition there. He is scheduled to be installed as bishop May 20.
To view the press conference, click play on the link below:
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