Assisting Bishop Tobin were Providence’s former bishop, Louis Gelineau for whom Bishop Evans once served as priest secretary and master of ceremonies; and Bishop Salvatore Matano, a Providence native and bishop of Burlington, Vt. Among the concelebrating bishops and representing the archdiocese were Bishops Walter Edyvean, John Dooher and Robert Hennessey.

Priests who have been friends for a number of years or only a few seem to be universal in their praise of the new bishop’s gifts. “Priestly model,” “ever ready smile,” “loves people,” “loves priests,” “good cook,” “not impressed with himself,” “great sense of humor,” “ready and quick wit.”

Prior to his present assignment in February 2007 as pastor of the sprawling St. Philip Parish in suburban Greenville, he served in a number of parish and diocesan assignments, as well as a stint back in Rome as Director of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education, a program of priestly renewal and updating at the North American College. He returned to the United States and served as a secretary at Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. before his appointment to Greenville.

The episcopal ordination was celebrated at a packed cathedral. The late fall day, cool and a bit overcast, could not overshadow the active and spirited participation of family, bishops, priests, deacons, women and men religious and the hundreds of lay friends and collaborators of the new bishop.

Father Michael Donohue, pastor of St. Matthias Parish in East Lyme, Conn. and a friend of the new bishop since Roman seminary days said “Outstanding choice!” Boston’s Father Thomas Maguire, pastor of St. Helen, Norwell was delighted with the ordination of his friend; “A great priest, the picture of kindness and concern for priests and people alike.” Father Jon-Paul Gallant, a Fall River priest and pastor of St. Theresa in South Attleboro, who became fast friends with Bishop Evans while they were pursuing graduates studies in Rome observed “It’s great when a new bishop is a friend; it’s even better when he’s also a friend to so many of the people and priests of the diocese.”