Timothy Cardinal Dolan celebrated his final Christmas Eve midnight mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. This significant event took place on a chilly Wednesday evening. The mass marked the end of his tenure, after 16 years of service to the Archdiocese of New York.
Transition of Leadership at the Archdiocese
Following Cardinal Dolan’s retirement, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks, currently of the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois, as the next Archbishop of New York. Hicks will be the 14th bishop and 11th archbishop of New York. His formal installation is set for February.
Attendance and Atmosphere at the Midnight Mass
New York City Mayor Eric Adams attended the special midnight mass, which drew large crowds. Tickets for the event were allocated through a lottery system due to overwhelming demand. The line of attendees wrapped around Fifth Avenue, illustrating the widespread interest in this annual tradition.
- Location: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City
- Event: Final Christmas Eve midnight mass by Cardinal Dolan
- Attendance: Long lines formed outside as people waited in the cold
- Response: Some visitors were turned away, but many were inspired by the cathedral’s light
Many attendees commented on the sense of community and divinity felt during the service. “Just to see the love and divinity in church…means a lot,” shared church-goer Charlie. Another parishioner, Stela Caprio, reflected, “We always loved him. It’s going to be good…new results are good.”
Cardinal Dolan’s Future Plans
Cardinal Dolan, who turned 75 earlier this year—the Catholic Church’s mandatory retirement age—has expressed a desire to remain in New York and continue his service. “I’ve even received a request to write a book and an offer to do a documentary on the status of the Church in the United States,” he noted.
He referred to the appointment of Bishop Hicks as an “early Christmas gift,” highlighting a moment of joy amidst the transition of leadership within the archdiocese.
Looking Ahead
As Cardinal Dolan concludes his chapter, Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks prepares for a new beginning, ready to lead approximately 2.8 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of New York.
