Bishop Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island Will Discuss “Effective Faith” During Live CatholicTV Interview

On June 4th, Bishop Thomas Tobin will appear in an interview on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Bishop Tobin will discuss his new book “Effective Faith” and the ideas and spirituality within the book.

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

Katherine Haas of Catholic News Agency said of Tobin’s book, “Effective Faith isn’t a bombshell to the faithful, or even to the once-faithful or the not-so-faithful. Instead, it’s a nuts and bolts approach to being a Catholic.

Bishop Tobin isn’t trying to scare his readers into going back to church. He’s not leaving a trail of cake crumbs leading towards heaven either. What each of his columns does is give a basic explanation of the Church’s teaching on a particular issue or a personal insight into daily life from the eyes of a real, live Catholic bishop.”

In an excerpt from the book, Tobin suggests that if you are faced with a dilemma where faith and work collide, “Quit your job and save your soul,” he advises.

The book is broken into four sections — “Everyday Faith,” “Faith and My Life,” “Faith Through the Seasons” and “Faith Through the Life of the Church.”
John Franko, a writer with the Pittsburgh Catholic, wrote “One of his trademarks is that he does not shy away from tackling controversial subjects. The book offers reflections on “Abortion,” “Civil Rights and Human Life,” “Why ‘Gay Marriage’ Is Wrong,” “Racism: It’s Bigger Than Imus,” “Catholic Preaching: Powerful or Pitiful?” and “When Preachers Fall from Grace.”

In the book’s foreword, Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston praised Bishop Tobin for his skill in providing an accessible and effective means of sharing the faith through his columns.”

Bishop Thomas Tobin is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bishop Tobin was named Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh and Titular Bishop of Novica by Pope John Paul II on November 3, 1992. He was ordained to the Episcopacy on December 27, 1992. Bishop Thomas J. Tobin was installed as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, on February 2, 1996.

Bishop Tobin was named eighth Bishop of Providence by Pope John Paul II on March 31, 2005

More information on “Effective Faith” and Bishop Thomas Tobin can be found at http://bishoptobin.com/. Proceeds from the sale of Effective Faith: Faith that Makes a Difference will benefit a number of charitable organizations throughout the Diocese of Providence. Bishop Tobin receives no royalties or profits from the sale of this book.

Black Catholic Saints? The Canonization of Another Saint to be Discussed on This is the Day

On Friday, July 3rd, Sister Magdala Marie Gilbert OSP will discuss the canonization of Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, who founded the first congregation of women religious of African descent. Will Mary Elizabeth Lange join the more familiar African saints such as St. Perpetua and St. Felicity? This topic will be up for discussion on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day.”

During the week of July 13th-19th, CatholicTV will air a documentary about Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, the religious order she founded, and the cause for her canonization. The documentary is entitled “Providence Will Provide”. Detailed times are listed below.



Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange was best known for starting the religious order - The Oblate Sisters of Providence. She moved from the Caribbean to Baltimore in 1813 (estimate) at about the age of 29. After arriving in the U.S. she used her own money and home to educate children of color. Providence intervened through the person of Reverend James Hector Joubert, S.S., who encouraged by Archbishop James Whitfield, presented Mary Elizabeth Lange with the challenge to found a religious congregation for the Christian (Catholic) education of Black children.



But, how was this to be? Black men and women could not, at that time, aspire to religious life. Nevertheless, On July 2, 1829, Mary Elizabeth and three other women pronounced promises of poverty, chastity, and obedience to Archbishop Whitfield and the chosen Superior. This year the community celebrates its 180th anniversary.



Through Mother Mary Lange and the Oblate Sisters of Providence, thousands upon thousands were educated and evangelized. In 1991, Elizabeth Lange was named a Servant of God by the Church.



Sr. Magdala Marie Gilbert, OSP will discuss the canonization of Mother Lange on “This is the Day”. Sr. Magdala Marie is an Oblate Sister of Providence. She is a member of the National Black Sisters Conference (NBSC). Sr. Magdala Marie taught many years on the Elementary School and High School levels. Sister has been Vocation and Formation Director for her Congregation as well. She has written a booklet about Mother Mary Lange, OSP called, “One Who Dared, Mary Lange: A Short Portrait.” She has written numerous articles for the Catholic Review, the Catholic newspaper for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.



CatholicTV will air the documentary “Providence Will Provide” during the week of July 13th-19th at the following times (Eastern): Tuesday-12:30PM; Wednesday-6AM; Friday-9AM; Sunday-11:30PM.