A mix of pageantry, tradition, and administration will be on display on Friday, February 6, as Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks is formally installed at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

“At the Installation Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the Church of New York formally welcomes its new archbishop; during the liturgy, the apostolic nuncio [the Pope’s ambassador to the United States] proclaims the Pope’s official letter appointing Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks as Archbishop of New York,” Father Matthew S. Ernest, STD, director of the archdiocesan Office of Liturgy, told The Good Newsroom.

“Archbishop Hicks then publicly accepts this appointment and is led to the cathedra, the archbishop’s chair, which is the visible sign that he has taken responsibility for the archdiocese, said Father Ernest, who is also academic dean, professor, and director of liturgy at St. Joseph’s Seminary. 

“Representatives of the clergy, religious, and lay faithful greet him (the new archbishop), and the Mass continues with Archbishop Hicks presiding and preaching for the first time as shepherd of the Archdiocese of New York. This moment marks the transition of leadership from Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus, to his successor,” Father Ernest noted.  

He added that “this is the archdiocese’s public and liturgical moment of welcoming its new archbishop. In the installation liturgy, the Pope’s mandate is formally proclaimed and accepted. The act is recorded, and so this is the Church of New York welcoming its new archbishop formally.” 

Father Ernest is among several key archdiocesan officials overseeing the transition process, which Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Whalen, vicar for clergy, is chairing, along with Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general, and the Very Reverend Enrique Salvo, rector of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.  

Here is the planned series of events in the archbishop’s installation process, as explained by Father Ernest:  

Evening Prayer (Vespers) – Thursday, February 5, 5 p.m. 

On the evening before the Installation Mass, Archbishop-designate Hicks will preside and preach at Evening Prayer (Vespers) at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. This celebration allows the incoming archbishop to lead the Church of New York in prayer before the Installation Mass. No canonical possession takes place at Vespers; it is a liturgical, preparatory act rather than a juridical one. 

Mass of Installation – Friday, February 6, 2 p.m. 

Formal reception and canonical possession 

Reception at the doors of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral 

At the beginning of the Mass of Installation, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, arrives at the center doors of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and knocks. The doors are opened from within by Father Enrique Salvo as the cathedral’s rector. 

His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan then welcomes Archbishop-designate Hicks on behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Archdiocese of New York. 

Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, presents Archbishop-designate Hicks with a crucifix resting on a pillow, which he receives and kisses. 

The rector of the cathedral then presents holy water to Archbishop-designate Hicks, who blesses himself and the congregation. A solemn procession follows into the cathedral toward the sanctuary.  

Beginning of the Mass 

The Mass begins with Cardinal Dolan as celebrant. After the Sign of the Cross and greeting, Cardinal Dolan introduces the representative of the Holy See. 

Reading of the Apostolic Mandate 

His Eminence Christophe Cardinal Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, proclaims the Apostolic Mandate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, formally announcing the Pope’s appointment of Archbishop Hicks as Archbishop of New York. 

Acceptance of the Mandate 

After the mandate is read, Archbishop Hicks formally accepts the Pope’s appointment. The assembly gives its assent with the acclamation, “Thanks be to God.” 

Recording of canonical possession 

The Apostolic Mandate is shown to the College of Consultors in the presence of the chancellor of the archdiocese, ensuring that the act of canonical possession is officially recorded in the diocesan records. The mandate is also shown to the congregation. 

Seating at the cathedra 

Archbishop Hicks then receives the crosier and is led to the cathedra, the archbishop’s chair at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. His seating there is the visible liturgical sign that he has taken possession of the Archdiocese of New York. 

Greeting by representatives of the Archdiocese and the New York community 

Representatives of the clergy, religious, and laity from throughout the Archdiocese of New York, as well as of the Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu communities, greet Archbishop Hicks. 

Mass continues 

The Gloria is sung, and the Mass proceeds as a stational Mass of the bishop, with Archbishop Hicks now serving as principal celebrant. 

Homily of the new Archbishop 

Archbishop Hicks preaches the homily, marking his first formal address to the faithful of the Archdiocese of New York as their archbishop. 

After the installation

From the day he takes possession of the archdiocese, Archbishop Hicks’ name is mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer at all Masses celebrated throughout the Archdiocese of New York.