On Sunday, Sept. 16, Father TJ Varghese was installed as pastor of St. Luke's Church by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, leader of the Catholic Church for the Diocese of Providence.
The 11:30 Mass …
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On Sunday, Sept. 16, Father TJ Varghese was installed as pastor of St. Luke's Church by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, leader of the Catholic Church for the Diocese of Providence.
The 11:30 Mass was well-attended with parishioners, family and friends and assisted by members of the Knights of Columbus in full regalia.
Father Varghese was most recently pastor of St. Eugene's parish in Chepachet. He graduated from the Papal Seminary in Pune, India, where he was ordained in 1995.
Born in India, Father Verghese was adopted and raised by an American family in Rhode Island. His family was in attendance at the installation.
He has been a Chaplain for the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the RI State Police. Each year Father Varghese facilitates the Special Olympics Torch Run and on most Friday evenings has been known to help the homeless in downtown Providence. He began his ministry at St. Luke's on July 1.
In his homily, Bishop Tobin told parishioners that he was confident that Father Varghese was qualified to be their new pastor, and with the help of parish delegates, will assist the pastoral care of the people of St. Luke's Church. The bishop recognized church leaders and called them up to the altar to greet their new pastor individually.
Father Varghese takes over from retired St. Luke's Pastor, Robert Hawkins.