On June 19, the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated his Golden Jubilee at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, surrounded by fellow bishops, priests, seminarians, family, and friends. 

The evening began with Solemn Vespers, during which Cardinal Dolan spoke about the grace of the priesthood and the priests he has served alongside throughout his ministry. In his homily, he talked about the enduring gift of Christ’s priesthood and the mercy that has sustained him through five decades of service to the Church. 

Following Vespers, guests gathered for a celebratory cookout where several priests offered tributes to the cardinal. Fr. James Cruz, a former secretary to Cardinal Dolan and now pastor of St. Raymond Parish in the Bronx, described him as a man who has remained, above all else, a priest. Fr. Enrique Salvo, rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, praised the joy that has characterized Cardinal Dolan’s ministry and inspired others in their own priesthood. 

Marking the milestone, Cardinal Dolan expressed gratitude for the priests of the Archdiocese of New York, calling them the “foot soldiers” on the front lines of the Church’s mission. His Golden Jubilee celebration served as both a look back on 50 years of priestly ministry and a testament to the vocation that continues to shape his life.