More than a formal visit, the evening became a moment of encounter, as the community welcomed its shepherd in a spirit of joy, prayer, and communion.
Mass (Sunday Vigil) with the Archbishop
The evening started with a Sunday Vigil mass presided by the Archbishop in the church. At the end of the mass, before the final blessing, he was presented a gift of an image of the Risen One who passed through the Cross that is at Diaconia by Father Cristiano, Shalom’s Regional Coordinator for North America, who spoke about the influence of Pope John Paul II in the Shalom charism. The Archbishop noted his own connection to Pope John Paul II, stating that “[he] had the opportunity to meet him personally” and was able to witness firsthand his influence on many communities around the world.
He gave his gratitude to the presence of Shalom in the city of Boston, while also reminding those present at mass during his homily that “[faith] is always a verb, it’s to believe or believing. It’s active and is something that requires you to get involved with it. That’s why the testimony piece becomes such a critical, essential part of faith. It’s not just enough just to recognize who Jesus is, you have to tell others who he is.” He calls on us to have a relationship with him, to believe in Him and to know Christ, who reveals the truth of who He is and who we are to us as we get to know Him on a deeper level.
Visiting the Community House
The local coordinator of the mission in Boston, Hilda Pires, took some time after the mass ended to show Archbishop Henning around the community house and get to know the building the mission calls home.
He then joined the community for a special dinner. There, he got to meet members of the Work and was presented the video for the Boston mission’s 10 year anniversary, as well as hearing a couple of testimonies from some members of the community who had their hearts changed by the Charism.
About Archbishop Henning
After his ordination to the priesthood in 1992, Richard G. Henning served in parish ministry and in several roles dedicated to the formation and support of clergy. Over the years, he became widely known for his work in priestly formation and continuing education, including leadership in initiatives that fostered the ongoing spiritual and pastoral development of priests and deacons. His ministry also included significant engagement with international clergy serving in the United States, reflecting his commitment to strengthening the Church’s pastoral mission.
In 2018, Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, where he served as regional vicar and later as Vicar for Clergy and Pastoral Planning. In 2022 he was named Coadjutor Bishop of Providence and succeeded as Bishop in 2023. On August 5, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Henning as the seventh Archbishop of Boston, and he was formally installed on October 31, 2024, continuing his ministry of pastoral leadership, evangelization, and service to the Church.
