Bishop Henning on the Difference between Happiness and Joy

"Judge Frank Caprio is something of a Rhode Island institution with a storied career in public service and law. He is also a man of humor, integrity and compassion. Recently, I was sorry to hear his announcement of a serious diagnosis and I was moved by his humble request for prayers. I have met Judge Caprio several times and I appreciate the wisdom he brings to conversation as well as the way in which he reflects on the human experience. It was very clear to me that in these qualities, he is a reflection of his family, and his parents in particular. He shared a meaningful story of his first day on the bench and how proud he was that his father was present. Afterwards, his father surprised him by critiquing one of his decisions. His father gently taught him that he had applied the law properly but failed to fully see the suffering of the human being in front of him. Judge Caprio credits that moment as having a tremendous influence on his work in the law. His father, a hard-working immigrant, did not have his son's advantages of education and opportunity. Nonetheless, as a man of faith and integrity, the judge's father taught him about basic humanity and compassion."

In a recent commentary related to Gaudete Sunday, Bishop Richard G. Henning, the bishop of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the difference between happiness and joy.

To access Bishop Henning's complete essay, please visit: 

The State of Hope: Joy and happiness are indeed two different things (14 DEC 23)