A special tribute unfolded at the Sheen Center for Thought & Culture in Lower Manhattan on the morning of February 5, as a surprise photo exhibition honoring Cardinal Timothy Dolan was unveiled. The collection, titled “An Artistic Tribute to Cardinal Dolan,” showcases the work of renowned photographer Joe Vericker, who has spent years documenting the Cardinal’s leadership, warmth, and deep connection to the people of New York.

The event, held just one day before Cardinal Dolan’s 75th birthday, was kept secret until the moment of its reveal. As the Cardinal entered the exhibition space, he was met with a striking display of photographs capturing his ministry, from moments of prayer and service to the joyful encounters he is known for.

A tribute through the lens

For Joe Vericker, whose career has spanned decades photographing key figures in the Church, politics, and global events, this exhibition was a labor of love.

“He’s amazing. He can work a room like no one I’ve ever seen. And he’s very charismatic,” Vericker said of Cardinal Dolan. “My job is, in a sense, easy because he sets up the pictures naturally. And I’m just documenting what he does.”

Vericker’s photos offer an intimate look at the Cardinal’s leadership, showing his genuine interactions with parishioners, clergy, and community members. From placing a zucchetto on a child’s head to offering comfort to a retired priest, the images reflect Cardinal Dolan’s ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.

A special painting for a special leader

In addition to the photo exhibit, the event featured the unveiling of a special painting by artist Jan Dilenschneider, a gift from her and her husband, Bob Dilenschneider—great friends of Cardinal Dolan and benefactors of the Archdiocese of New York.

Unlike the photographs of the Cardinal, the painting depicts a serene sunrise over water, a symbolic gesture meant to bring warmth and inspiration to the Cardinal’s daily life.

“I hope the painting gives him a little warmth because he gives that to so many people,” said Jan Dilenschneider. “Just in a gesture—an arm around their shoulder, a smile, or something of that sort. I wanted to give him something he’d look at in the morning and feel a sense of warmth, just like all the warmth he gives to others. It has to come back to him in some way.”

The painting will soon have a permanent home in the new offices of the Archdiocese of New York on Madison Avenue.

A testament to faith and community

The Sheen Center, named after Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, has long been a hub for Catholic arts and culture. Bob Dilenschneider emphasized the importance of supporting institutions like the Sheen Center, which bring faith and the arts together.

“The Sheen Center is very important. It’s in the heart of New York City. It’s a critical center for Catholics, but also for people of enormous generosity,” he said. “And we felt a need to really donate to this. When Cardinal Dolan came along, we said, it’s got to happen here. And we’re very happy.”

For Teresa Bayer, Managing Director of the Sheen Center, this exhibition was not just a celebration of Cardinal Dolan, but also a reflection of his lasting influence.

“We are so blessed to have Cardinal Dolan—his vision for the Sheen Center, his support, and the archdiocese’s commitment to having the arts be an entry point for people to the Catholic Church in New York City,” Bayer said. “Despite the challenges the Church has faced, he has been able to electrify communities. He gives us energy, he gives us support, he evangelizes us and allows us to live out our mission.”

Cardinal Dolan’s reflection

As the Cardinal took in the images and artwork dedicated to him, he shared his surprise and gratitude for the exhibit.

“I was surprised. I thought I was coming for another one of Mary Lou’s grand openings or something. Now, in a way, it is, with Joe’s excellent photography,” Cardinal Dolan said with his signature humor. “And I knew that Bob and Jan were going to be here.”

He also reflected on the painting that will soon hang in the new Archdiocese offices.

“I was eager, and I had heard—somebody let the cat out of the bag—that you had produced something for the new offices when we move there on Madison Avenue. But I just thought it would be kind of quiet,” he said, laughing. “And then to steal my heart with the gooey butter coffee cake!”

Looking at the images of his time in New York, Cardinal Dolan spoke about the significance of memory and vision.

“With turning 75 tomorrow, thanks to Joe, I’m reflecting on the past because I see these different scenes from the past 16 years that I’ve had the high honor and grace of being the pastor, the archbishop here. And there’s something about the future, because of Jan’s excellent work that’s going to be at the new office building,” he said.

“You know what they say, right?” he continued, turning to Bob Dilenschneider. “You got this in your leadership book, Bob. Leaders are always about memory and dreams. Memories and dreams. So, I’m looking back, and I’m seeing memories. And I see dreams, especially of Easter.”

He also reminisced about the founding of the Sheen Center, recalling that it opened the same day Pope Francis visited the archdiocese in 2015.

“So, I’m thinking of grateful memories,” he said, “But I’m also thinking of the bright future.”

An exhibit open to all

“An Artistic Tribute to Cardinal Dolan” will be on display at The Sheen Center through February 28. Free and open to the public, the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to witness the life and ministry of Cardinal Dolan through the eyes of an artist and a photographer.

For more information, visit SheenCenter.org.