PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A downtown Providence chapel run by Franciscan friars has hosted its final Mass.
The Rev. Steven Patti presided Monday afternoon at the last Mass at St. Francis Chapel.
Patti says the lease is up Dec. 31 and there are not enough men entering the order to sustain the chapel.
Patti says the Franciscans will continue to run the Church of St. Mary until next June, when it will be turned over to the Diocese of Providence. Patti says one Franciscan friar will remain in the city once the Diocese of Providence assumes control of the Church of St. Mary.
Patti says the Franciscans have been in Providence for 55 years.![]()
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