Hundreds of active duty and retired U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines joined Archbishop Ronald Hicks for Mass on Sunday, July 5, one day after participating in Independence Day celebrations and the Sail250 marine parade.  

“We gather here today celebrating 250 years of this country, coming together as people of faith and of hope, connected as brothers and sisters in great charity and love,” Archbishop Hicks said, beginning the celebration and greeting the Mass’ participants at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  

Vice Admiral Doug Perry, commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet, proclaimed the second reading during the Mass.  

In a wide-ranging homily, Archbishop Hicks discussed Independence Day weekend and his recent trip to Rome to receive his pallium, and connected both to the day’s gospel, in which Jesus offers rest to those who are burdened. 

“This weekend, we celebrate 250 years of the United States of America. As we celebrate this milestone, the Statue of Liberty, which stands right here in New York Harbor, offers a message to all of us who carry burdens. She said then, and she still says to us today: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.’ Those words are so inspirational and so powerful,” he said.  

The archbishop sheepishly pivoted to the subject of his pallium. “Have any of you noticed something a little different about me today? Well, here’s the thing: for the very first time at any Mass here at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, I am wearing what is called a pallium around my neck,” he said.  

FULL COVERAGE: Archbishop Ronald Hicks’ Pallium Pilgrimage to Rome 

Archbishop of New York Ronald Hicks received his pallium from Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica during the annual Mass for the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, joining metropolitan archbishops from around the world in the ancient ceremony linking them to the Church of Rome. 

Following the pallium Mass on June 29, each of the 35 archbishops who received it were offered the opportunity to take a photo with Pope Leo. “I felt like a kid making my confirmation,” Archbishop Hicks said. 

“When it was my turn, I went up to him, put out my hand, and shook his hand. He was smiling, and I said to him, ‘Your Holiness, I’m Ron Hicks from the Archdiocese of New York.’ And he just looked at me and he says, ‘Well, of course I know who you are,’”  

Both Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Hicks are natives of Chicago. 

“Every time I wear this pallium at Mass, I will remember that I am called to be in unity with the Holy Father, and to always strive to be a good shepherd,” Archbishop Hicks said. 

READ: America250: Gov. Al Smith and Father Francis Duffy 

Archbishop Hicks returned to the theme of the weekend’s America250 celebrations. 

“My friends, I hope you can see the remarkable connections between celebrating 250 years of this country and today’s Gospel. The Statue of Liberty offers opportunity; Jesus offers peace. The Statue of Liberty welcomes people to a new land; Jesus welcomes people to a new life, to eternal life. The Statue of Liberty carries a light in her hand; Jesus is the Light of the World, and that light shines in the darkness and cannot be overcome.” 

After Mass, Archbishop Hicks joined the Navy and Marines personnel in attendance for both group and individual photos, and chatted with service members, thanking them for their service and welcoming them to New York.