New York Catholics gathered inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral on February 6, braving an extreme cold spell, to witness the installation mass of Archbishop Ronald Hicks.
What happened
Archbishop Hicks began the ceremony standing before the closed bronze doors of the cathedral. After a loud knock, Cardinal Timothy Dolan opened the doors, letting in a burst of sunlight and arctic air. Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general, presented Hicks with a crucifix on a pillow, which he kissed before taking his place.
The Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, welcomed the 2 200 attendees—including 68 bishops, 13 archbishops and 6 cardinals—and thanked Cardinal Dolan for his 17 years of service. He read the Apostolic Letter that officially appoints Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York, marking him as the 11th bishop of the archdiocese.
During the Mass, readings were offered in both English and Spanish and the cathedral choir sang several Spanish songs, reflecting Hicks’s missionary background in El Salvador. In his homily, Hicks spoke in both languages, quoted iconic New York songs, and expressed his love for music, the Eucharist and the Gospel.
Cardinal Dolan and Hicks shared a warm embrace, and Dolan motioned for Hicks to take his chair, an act accompanied by trumpets and applause. The congregation also sang “Happy Birthday” to Cardinal Dolan, whose birthday coincided with the ceremony.
Why it matters
The transition from Cardinal Dolan to Archbishop Hicks signals a new pastoral direction for the nation’s largest archdiocese. Cardinal Pierre emphasized the “great history and living mission” of New York, noting its remarkable diversity and real challenges. Hicks’s emphasis on a “missionary Church”—serving the poor, defending life, and reaching the peripheries—could reshape parish priorities and outreach programs.
The bilingual elements of the Mass underscore a commitment to the city’s multilingual faithful, even as the public gratitude expressed for Dolan’s 17‑year tenure reinforces continuity amid change.
What could happen next
Archbishop Hicks may expand bilingual worship services and encourage parishes to adopt mission‑oriented programs that address poverty, immigration and healthcare, reflecting his statements about feeding the hungry and healing the ill.
He could also strengthen collaborations with leaders of other faith traditions, as he thanked those present for their willingness to work together for the common good.
Analysts expect that the archdiocese’s leadership will monitor how these initiatives resonate with the diverse New York faithful, potentially adjusting priorities to balance traditional liturgical practices with the missionary focus Hicks outlined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Archbishop of New York?
Archbishop Ronald Hicks was installed as the 11th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York during the February 6 mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
What role did Cardinal Christophe Pierre play in the ceremony?
Cardinal Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, welcomed the congregation, thanked Cardinal Dolan for his service, read the Apostolic Letter appointing Hicks, and formally introduced Hicks as the new shepherd of New York.
How was the installation Mass unique?
The Mass featured bilingual readings and Spanish choral music, highlighted Hicks’s missionary experience in El Salvador, and included a spontaneous “Happy Birthday” tribute to Cardinal Dolan.
How do you consider Archbishop Hicks’s focus on a missionary Church will shape the future of Catholic life in New York?
