New Archbishop Ronald Hicks Celebrates First Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York held his inaugural Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, amusingly noting that locals are trying to sway him from his Chicago roots, including his loyalty to the Chicago Cubs and deep-dish pizza.

At 58, Hicks, who was previously the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, preached his first homily after taking over from Cardinal Timothy Dolan and assuming leadership of the Archdiocese of New York.

Speaking to a crowd of several hundred at what he termed “America’s parish church,” Hicks explored the significance of the word “but,” suggesting it can point towards “a deeper reality and a deeper truth.”

“The word ‘but’ is a contrast, not necessarily a contradiction,” he explained.

He added, “Many people are heading to Super Bowl parties today, but some will only tune in for the commercials,” highlighting the multifaceted nature of experiences.

As he talked with New Yorkers, he was told, “It’s wonderful you’re a Cubs fan, but we need to take you to a Yankees or Mets game.”

He also joked, “‘It’s great that you enjoy deep-dish pizza, but just wait until you try New York pizza.'” These light-hearted comments revealed his quick adaptation to local culture.

In his address, Hicks emphasized his mission for the archdiocese, focusing on Evangelization. He stated, “As we educate, evangelize, and enact our faith, we illuminate the world with our missionary spirit.”

He talked about the importance of discipleship, saying, “As disciples who create more disciples, we share this missionary church with the world and nurture our faith into the next generation.”

As the first new leader of the archdiocese since 2009, Hicks also highlighted the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable, advocating for life “from conception to natural death.”

Fluent in Spanish, Hicks began his sermon with the sign of the cross in that language, reflecting his dedication to inclusivity.

His background includes five years working in an orphanage in El Salvador, followed by his role as a bishop in the Chicago area before being appointed to New York by Pope Leo XIV in December.

The welcoming ceremony into St. Patrick’s Cathedral was steeped in tradition, commencing with three knocks on the church door using a small golden tack hammer.

Prior to his resignation, Cardinal Dolan finalized a $300 million settlement with victims of clergy abuse, a significant undertaking that Hicks is now responsible for overseeing.

The Archdiocese of New York, encompassing Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and parts of northern city, is among the largest in the nation, with around 2.5 million Catholics.

In his Sunday message, Hicks urged the congregation to foster unity across various cultures and generations by safeguarding children, supporting healing for abuse survivors, and promoting respect for everyone.