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By Tessa Gervasini | CNA

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 9, 2025 / 14:14 pm

Bishop Simon Peter Engurait was ordained last week, making him the first African bishop in the mainland United States. On Sept. 5, Engurait was installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana during a ceremony at Nicholls State University.

Engurait was appointed in June by Pope Leo XIV after working as administrator of the diocese since January 2024. He had also previously served as the vicar general and as the pastor of St. Bridget Parish since 2017.

(Providence, R.I.) – Providence College (PC) announced today that Gloria Purvis, a renowned Catholic scholar, speaker, and journalist, has joined the College as special advisor for Integral Human Development and Dignity. Gloria will be part of the Office of Mission & Ministry in a new role that combines the work of mission and ministry, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and institutional equity.

PC Executive Vice President for Mission/Chief Operating Officer Father Thomas More Garrett, O.P. said, “Gloria will lend considerable expertise and enthusiasm to our community at Providence College. Her wealth of experience spans several areas of ministry, media, and social justice.”

Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

In the month of September, we commemorate the seven sorrows of Mary. These sorrows revolve around the life of her son Jesus. Being a mother to the Son of God was a great task emotionally. As a society, we feel her pain when we watch our children being gunned down in the streets, schools and churches. We feel her pain when we see wars that starve innocent children. We feel her pain when we watch the world burn in its toxic culture of violence. But as Jesus has promised and delivered us the resurrection, it gives us hope that the world can be saved.

National Day of Prayer
for Peace in Our Communities

Prayer Unites. Prayer Sustains. Prayer Moves Mountains.

On this blessed Feast of St. Peter Claver, we honor the legacy of a saint who dedicated his life to serving the most marginalized, baptizing over 300,000 enslaved Africans and calling himself “the slave of the slaves forever.” His unwavering compassion and commitment to justice continue to inspire us today.

In recognition of his powerful witness, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has declared September 9th a National Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities. This day calls us to unite in prayer, reflection, and action to heal divisions and foster peace, especially in communities burdened by violence, racism, and injustice.

As Bishop Joseph Perry reminds us:

“Prayer is the miracle salve for the ills of individuals as well as communities⦠Let us never give up on prayer being able to bring us closer to God and to one another.”

We encourage you to download and view the official newsletter to learn more about this important day and access powerful prayer resources, including:

• St. Peter Claver Prayer Service
• Holy Hour Against Racism
• Prayers of the Faithful
• Vespers and Readings for the Memorial
• Prayer for Peace in Our Communities

Let us come together in faith, hope, and love—lifting our voices in prayer to move mountains and bring healing to our world.

Prayer Unites. Prayer Sustains. Prayer Moves Mountains.