New York Catholics enjoyed an in-door moment of spiritual warmth, during an extreme cold spell in the region, with the installation mass of Archbishop Ronald Hicks on February 6.
While many in the pews felt sad about losing their beloved Cardinal Timothy Dolan, there was also excitement about welcoming their new shepherd.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony happened at the beginning, when Archbishop Hicks stood outside the closed bronze doors of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Cardinal Dolan stood at the back silently when a loud knock was heard.
The bronze doors were opened, with Cardinal Dolan welcoming Archbishop Hicks inside amidst a burst of sunlight and arctic air - on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful for the Archdiocese of New York. Then the Reverand Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, presented Archbishop Hicks with a crucifix resting on a pillow, which he received and kissed.
After the clergy processed to the front, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, welcomed the 2200 people inside St. Patrick's Cathedral – including 68 bishops, 13 archbishops and 6 Cardinals. He thanked Cardinal Timothy Dolan for his years of service.
"Before turning your attention to the future, it is fitting to pose in gratitude Cardinal Timothy Dolan who has served this archdiocese with generosity, conviction and pastoral zeal. His voice has been a strong and joyful witness to the Gospel both here in New York and far beyond it. And on behalf of the Holy Father, I express sincere thanks for these years of faithful ministry and for the love he has shown to the people entrusted to his care," said Cardinal Pierre, to thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
"And by the way, do you know that it is his birthday?" he said.
In a memorable "New York" moment, the entire Cathedral spontaneously sang Happy Birthday to Cardinal Dolan, as he beamed and waved at the congregation.
Cardinal Pierre then welcomed Archbishop Hicks as the new shepherd for New York.
"His years as a bishop have already immersed him in the ordinary realities of pastoral governance where he has attended carefully to the life of the Church and has shown a steady commitment to the mission entrusted to him," he said.
"The See to which you have been called carries a great history and a living mission. New York is a place of remarkable diversity marked by deep faith and real challenges. You are entrusted to a people whose voices are many, and whose needs are real; the people whose hopes are rooted in the Gospel, Cardinal Pierre noted.
"As Pope Leo has reminded bishops: the gift they receive is never for themselves alone but always for service, service to the faith of the people, lived in communion with them. In such a setting, unity is not uniformity but a shared belonging to Christ and in Christ," he continued.
Cardinal Pierre then read the Apostolic Letter, an official papal document, which officially appoints Archbishop Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York. This letter signifies Archbishop Hicks' mandate and authority to lead the Archdiocese of New York. After an emotional moment, whereby Archbishop Hicks walked around the altar and showed the Apostolic Letter to his brother bishops and then down the central aisle to the congregation of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Archbishop Hicks then processed to the chair of Cardinal Dolan.
They embraced warmly, and then Cardinal Dolan motioned for Archbishop Hicks to take his chair, where he sat down to the sound of trumpets and applause.
During the installation mass, deference was given to Archbishop Hicks' years of service as a missionary priest in El Salvador. The readings were read in both English and Spanish, and the St. Patrick Cathedral's choir sang several songs in Spanish.
During Archbishop Hicks' homily, he spoke easily in both languages.
"I love music. And I love all types of music. If you know something about me, I always have a song playing in my head," said Archbishop Hicks.
He referenced several iconic songs about New York, making them his own and saying "I am in a New York state of mind" and "start spreading the news. I am starting today. I want to be a part of it. New York. New York," he said to applause.
Then Archbishop Hicks told the congregation that he loves Jesus, the Church and people.
"I also love the Eucharist: the true body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our source and our summit. The word Eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning to give thanks. So today, in the context of this Eucharist, my heart is filled with gratitude. And as I begin as the 11th bishop of the Archdiocese of NY, I want to start with gratitude," he said.
He thanked God, the Creator of life and giver of life eternal and Divine Mercy. He then thanked Cardinal Pierre for his years of service, and Cardinal Cupich for his example and mentorship during the past 11 years.
"To Cardinal Dolan, thank you for your magnanimous leadership here for 17 years. In a particular way, I want to thank you for your gracious support for me both personally and publicly," he said. "We had the opportunity to sing happy birthday to the Cardinal, and I just want to extend – ad moltos anos."
Archbishop Hicks thanked all the priests present.
"Please know this: I love being a priest. To you I say – thank you for your 'yes' - and I look forward to getting to know the wonderful presbyterate here in the Archdiocese of New York," he said.
Archbishop Hicks thanked his parents and referred to them as "the best". He also thanked family and friends, "You are one of the greatest gifts in my life. I love all of you."
He thanked members of different faith traditions who were present in the Cathedral to welcome him to New York. He told them that he looked forward to working with them in service of the common good.
Archbishop Hicks spoke about the Gospel passage of the installation Mass, Matthew 29:16-20.
"This is a call to be a missionary Church, not a country club. A club exists to serve its members. The Church exists, on the other hand, to go out and serve all people: on fire, with faith, with hope and charity in the name of Jesus Christ. This is not a criticism. It is simply an invitation: to constantly renew who we are and to rediscover why the Church exists," he said.
Archbishop Hicks went on to explain that followers of Jesus need to feed the hungry, heal the ill in mind and body and those who feel rejected.
"Pope Leo XIV has been clear and consistent about this. He reminds us that the Church is missionary, not because of a program we run but because of who we are," he said. "The Church exists to proclaim Jesus Christ and the Gospel to everyone: publicly and credibly, without fear in every culture and circumstance."
Archbishop Hicks said that a missionary Church takes care of the poor and vulnerable. He also said that a missionary Church defends, respects and upholds life from conception to natural death. He said that such a Church protects children and promotes healing for survivors for those wounded by the Church.
"Brothers and sisters, I believe the world always has and always will need a missionary Church," he said." A Church that proclaims Jesus Christ clearly and without fear. A Church that forms missionary disciples not passive spectators. A Church that goes out to the peripheries."
Attendees moved by the ceremony
"It was a really beautiful mass. During the beginning, when Archbishop Hicks was outside knocking, you could hear what was going on outside. There were people singing songs in Spanish on 5th Avenue. When Archbishop Hicks walked inside, it made me feel like we were all a part of Palm Sunday in Jerusalem. To see the door open like that, it felt like it was a door of hope. It made me feel very special that we could all be inside to witness that," said Debby Kruszewski, from Mamaroneck, New York.
"I was moved by Archbishop Hicks' invitation for us to join him in the mission of the Church, and the joy with which he shared his love for Christ, the Church and us, his people," said Ann Lefever, from Larchmont, New York.
For his part, 12-year-old Timothy Amigone, also in attendance from New Rochelle, New York, said he was "impressed by the humility and simplicity of the new archbishop and how he seems like he can relate to the people he will serve."
