Catholicism in Rhode Island: The Formative Era

Diocese of Providence, 1976. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover with Dust Jacket. Near Fine/Very Good.

The bindings are tight and square. Text clean, light even toning. Minimal shelf handling wear. A Near-Fine Hardcover in a Very Good Dust Jacket. The dust jacket has some age-toning. 11.75 inches tall; xiv, 173 pages, illustrations, index and bibliography. . The story of Rhode Island Catholicism unfolds from its colonial origins to the formal establishment of the Diocese of Providence in 1872. Rigorous research has underpinned this narrative, drawing from an extensive range of primary and secondary sources.

This historical account transcends mere chronicles of church construction and biographical sketches of bishops and prominent clergy. It delves into various dimensions, including the religious engagement of the laity and their socio-economic standing, the intersection of religion with political and constitutional developments, the interplay of ethnicity and faith, and the impact of national secular and religious movements on local Catholicism. Additionally, it illuminates the contributions-both from clergy and lay individuals-to Rhode Island's cultural, economic, social, and political landscape.

At the heart of this narrative lies the struggle faced by early Rhode Island Catholics against intolerance, nativism, and discrimination. The contemporary flourishing and influential Catholic Church stand as a testament to the dedication, sacrifices, and perseverance of its nineteenth-century pioneers. Their endeavors warrant recognition and appreciation, forming an indispensable thread in Rhode Island's historical fabric.