Born
in Moultrie, Ga., Monsignor Evans attended high school and college at
Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick where he earned a bachelor's
degree. He studied for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American
College in Rome, earning a licentiate degree in canon law from the Gregorian
University. He was ordained to the priesthood by Washington Cardinal
James Hickey at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on July 2, 1973.
His first assignment when he returned from Rome was as assistant pastor
of St. Pius X Parish, Westerly. In 1974, he was appointed assistant
pastor of Holy Angels Parish, Barrington, and chaplain at Roger Williams
College, Bristol. He served as assistant chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital
in Providence, and as assistant pastor of St. Lawrence Church, North
Providence, and St. Mark Church, Cranston.
In 1983, he was appointed Assistant Chancellor for the Diocese and secretary
to Bishop Louis E. Gelineau. After advanced studies in canon law in
Rome, he was appointed part-time judge for the Tribunal and Vice Chancellor
for the Diocese.
In June 1991, he was appointed pastor of St. Anthony Church, Woonsocket,
part-time diocesan Director of Priests Personnel and Co-Chancellor.
He also served as administrator of St. Joan of Arc Church, Cumberland.
Pope John Paul II named him Prelate of Honor with the title of Monsignor
in 1993.
Monsignor Evans served as Director of the Institute for Continuing Theological
Education at the Pontifical North American College in Rome in 2001.
Monsignor Evans served at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington since
August 1, 2005 and became Pastor of St. Philip Church on February 12,
2007.
