Ronald Hicks was formally installed as the 11th archbishop of New York on Friday in a significant ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan. The event drew a diverse assembly of dignitaries, clergy, and laypeople from across the city and beyond, marking a pivotal moment for one of the nation's largest Catholic archdioceses.
A Vision for a Missionary Church
In a preview of the Mass held on Thursday, Archbishop Hicks detailed his ambitious vision for the archdiocese, which serves approximately 2.5 million Catholics throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and seven northern counties. He emphasized the importance of fostering a church composed of "missionary disciples" dedicated to spreading faith and engaging with future generations.
"I'm going to talk just about being a church who's made up of missionary disciples who want to go out and make disciples, and also to pass our faith on to the next generations," Hicks stated. He further described his aim to cultivate a church that builds bridges, reaches out to marginalized communities, and actively lives its mission in the world.
Broad Representation at the Ceremony
The installation ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m., welcomed a wide array of attendees, including leaders and members of the Catholic Church, representatives from various other faith traditions, and figures from government, business, labor, education, the arts, and first responders. Hicks expressed his enthusiasm for this inclusive gathering, noting that it reflects the universal nature of the Catholic Church and the diverse character of New York itself.
"In other words, who's going to be there? Everyone. Everyone," he remarked. "This is good because New York is a place where the whole world lives and calls home, and the Catholic Church is universal, gathering and engaging everyone. I'm excited and I'm humbled to be installed as the 11th archbishop of the archdiocese of New York."
Leadership Transition and Papal Influence
Archbishop Hicks, 58, previously served as bishop of Joliet, Illinois, and was selected by Pope Leo XI in December to succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who retired after submitting his resignation upon turning 75 as required by church law. This leadership change signifies a new chapter for the U.S. Catholic Church, aligning with the papacy of Leo XI, the first American pope, who hails from Chicago like Hicks.
The U.S. hierarchy, under Leo's guidance, has demonstrated a readiness to confront the Trump administration on issues such as immigration, and Hicks is viewed as a bishop who embodies Leo's progressive and engaged style. In his remarks, Hicks highlighted the importance of finding common ground in political and governmental matters while prioritizing collaborative efforts for the common good.
"What I'd like to do as archbishop is understand that in politics, in government, there are going to be things that we disagree on. But I'd also like to make sure we pay attention to what are those things we can work on together for the common good," he explained.
Themes of Gratitude and Legacy
During the installation Mass, Hicks incorporated numerous references to Pope Leo XI, promoting themes of gratitude and the enduring mission of the church. His approach underscores a commitment to continuity and innovation within the archdiocese, aiming to strengthen its role in both local communities and broader societal dialogues.
This historic installation not only celebrates Hicks's new role but also sets the stage for his leadership in navigating the complexities of modern Catholicism in a dynamic urban setting like New York.
