The Sisters of Charity of New York join the faithful of the Archdiocese in welcoming Archbishop Ronald Hicks, who was formally installed as Archbishop of New York this week in a liturgy marked by prayer, music, and a powerful call to missionary discipleship.
In his homily, Archbishop Hicks spoke of building a Church that is outward-facing, courageous, and attentive to the needs of God’s people — a Church that listens, accompanies, and walks with those on the margins. His words echoed themes of unity across cultures, care for creation, and a renewed commitment to evangelization rooted in compassion.
For a global city like New York, his emphasis on multicultural witness and pastoral presence carries particular meaning. The Archdiocese is home to Catholics from every corner of the world — communities rich in language, tradition, and faith. Archbishop Hicks’ call to be a missionary Church invites all of us to deepen that spirit of welcome and encounter.
As a congregation deeply committed to Catholic Social Teaching and to the ongoing call of Laudato Si’, the Sisters of Charity of New York were especially encouraged by the hope expressed that ecological conversion and care for our common home will remain integral to the life of the local Church. Our ministries — in health care, education, social service, and environmental advocacy — are grounded in the conviction that care for creation and care for the poor are inseparable.
Sr. Donna Dodge, SC, President of the Sisters of Charity of New York, was present for the Installation Mass:
I had the privilege of attending the Vespers Service on Thursday evening with Sr. Mary McCormick and the Installation Mass on Friday with Sr. Mary Ann Daly for our newly appointed Archbishop of New York, Ronald Hicks.
While the temperature in St. Patrick’s Cathedral was on the chilly side, the warmth of the welcome from those in attendance more than made up for it. I was impressed by the representation of people from many cultures and groups across the diocese—students, young adults, the elderly, clergy, men and women religious, archdiocesan staff, and so many of the faithful from parishes and ministries throughout our vast region.
Both ceremonies were inspiring; the music and readings were thoughtfully chosen. Most noteworthy, in my opinion, was the hope-filled and upbeat message from our new archbishop in his homilies, especially his call to continue spreading the Good News of the Gospel. It seems to me that this message is needed now more than ever.
I look forward to meeting Archbishop Hicks in the near future and assuring him of our prayers and the support of the Sisters of Charity of New York.
The liturgy itself was a visible reminder of the beauty and breadth of the Church in New York: clergy, religious women and men, lay leaders, and representatives from across communities gathered in prayer for the future.
We offer our prayers and support to Archbishop Hicks as he begins his ministry among us. May the Holy Spirit guide him in leading with humility, courage, and joy.
All photos via The Good Newsroom.
