On Friday, New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks was officially installed in a ceremony rich with Catholic tradition.
The event began with a symbolic knock on the historic door of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. The archdiocese made sure everything was just right, even changing the carpet color inside to align with Hicks’ new role in the church.
knock, knock
Before stepping inside, the 58-year-old archbishop knocked on the door three times using a small gold hammer, which is a nod to the Holy Trinity, a significant symbol in Catholicism.
This tradition of knocking involves the new archbishop signaling he’s ready to be welcomed into his position. His predecessor, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, had a blue hammer and knocked nine times.
Once the door opened, Cathedral Dean Father Enrique Salvo was there to greet Hicks, followed by a warm introduction from Dolan.
Direct from Rome
After everyone entered, the papal ambassador to the United States read a formal proclamation at the start of the special Mass, announcing Hicks’ appointment.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, representing the Pope, shared a letter from Pope Leo XIV, who had childhood ties near Hicks’ hometown in the Chicago suburbs, presenting it to the clergy and congregation as customary.
throne of power
The new archbishop was then escorted to his special chair, positioned slightly above the congregation on the left side of the altar. This chair, called “cathedra” in Latin, symbolizes his role.
With Hicks stepping in for Dolan, he now leads one of the largest archdioceses in the country, serving about 2.5 million Catholics.
During his last Mass as archbishop, Dolan affectionately said goodbye to the chair, reflecting on his 17 years in that role.
green underfoot
The carpet in St. Patrick’s Cathedral switched from red to green in honor of Hicks’ installment. The red was associated with Dolan, who became a cardinal, while Hicks, being an archbishop, has a green carpet.
coat of arms
Hicks’ coat of arms, now displayed above the chair, replaced Dolan’s emblem. It features the St. Patrick’s Cross, a symbol representing his new responsibilities in New York, along with a blue patch symbolizing Lake Michigan, significant to his previous post as bishop.
Additionally, there’s a small rosemary plant honoring St. Oscar Romero, a martyr with whom Hicks collaborated during his five years of service to the poor.
Fluent in Spanish, Hicks noted that the motto on his banner reads “Paz y Bien,” translating to “Peace and Goodness.” Unlike Dolan’s red-themed coat of arms, Hicks’ emblem is green, again indicating his rank as an archbishop.
