Bishop Tobin vows to give his 'very best' as new bishop of Providence

Published: 2005-06-02

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (CNS) -- Bishop Thomas J. Tobin promised Rhode Island Catholics he would "work hard for you" and "do the very best I can" as the eighth bishop of Providence during his two-hour installation Mass May 31. "On occasions like this, we sometimes say that a bishop takes possession of a diocese. In truth, I think it's really the other way around -- a diocese takes possession of the bishop," said Bishop Tobin. "Keenly aware of my own weaknesses, limitations and needs, I will also depend on your cooperation, support and prayers." In one of the final appointments made by the late Pope John Paul II, Bishop Tobin was named to replace Bishop Robert E. Mulvee, 75, whose resignation was accepted March 31. Bishop Tobin, 57, had been the bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, for nine years after serving as an auxiliary bishop in his native Pittsburgh Diocese. The Mass at SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Providence drew an estimated 2,000 worshippers.

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