Mass of Installation welcomes 10th Bishop to Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) —  More than 1,000 people gathered at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul for a Mass of Installation Tuesday afternoon to welcome in the tenth Bishop of Providence, Bruce Lewandowski.

The diocese has been without a permanent bishop since former Bishop Richard Henning became Archbishop of Boston.

Lewandowski spoke to the full crowd in both English and Spanish.

Many parishioners were excited to welcome in the new bishop.

“I think it’s important for people to go out and support the Catholic faith,” North Providence resident Bill Lobello said.  “People have downgraded it for so many years.”

Lewandowski was welcomed in by the Providence community and visitors coming from other parts of the country for the special Mass, knowing the bishop from his previous work in other cities, especially in Baltimore.

“He is humble, friendly, considerate, very kindhearted,” Baltimore resident Casey McKenna said. “He has respect for everybody, he’s just a wonderful person.”

This is a photo of Bishop Bruce Lewandowski before he was let into the cathedral. (WLNE)

Before heading into the Mass, the newest bishop stood at the front doors of the cathedral waiting to be let in by Archbishop Coyne.

A reception was held at the Omni Hotel following the Mass where the public could get to know the bishop and welcome him to the city.

This is a photo of people welcoming the new bishop outside of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. (WLNE)