Archbishop Ronald Hicks celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day Mass in NYC

Archbishop Ronald Hicks celebrated his first St. Patrick’s Day Mass at the cathedral dedicated to the saint in New York City, expressing admiration for a celebration that united New Yorkers and drew the participation of Democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

“The cathedral is full of well-intentioned and well-intentioned people, and it is full of people who have contributed to our patron saint, St. Patrick, as well as to the faith of the people of Ireland, to this country, to this church, to building our schools, our communities, our churches,” Hicks told “The Story” on Tuesday. “It was such a beautiful celebration and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, attended the service as it is customary for the mayor to almost always attend, and Hicks expressed that he was “very happy” about her attendance. The mayor did not attend Hicks’ installation as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York in February.

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“Since my placement I’ve had the opportunity to talk to him on the phone, to have breakfast at an event, and also to talk to him personally one on one. So I’ve gotten to know him and so far it’s been good and I’m glad he and so many people are here today,” the archbishop said. he said.

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“I think St. Patrick’s Day, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, is a place where we can bring people together about what the common good is, what’s best for our city, and how we can act together to bring out the best. It was a wonderful representation at this Mass today.” he continued.

Archbishop Ronald Hicks will be born at St. John’s Church in New York on February 5, 2026. He speaks during Solemn Evening prayers before his inauguration as Archbishop of New York at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. (Leonardo Munoz/AFP via Getty Images)

Young people “all over the country” are showing enthusiasm for the faith, Hicks said.

“Young people are attracted to God, to faith, to something meaningful, to a purpose, and they find that in church,” Hicks told Fox News host Martha MacCallum. “We, as a church, have to be a church that not only says, ‘Hey, you are the next generation,’ and welcomes them, but welcome them now and have them involved in this church to build this wonderful family of God that we have, as a living church, a church that celebrates our faith together for all ages.”

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St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan, New York, United States on October 22, 2022. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Prayer intentions at the St. Patrick’s Day Service included a prayer for those who participated in Operation Epic Rage and those who protect and fight for freedom.

“I specifically asked that we all pray for peace, true peace from God, especially in the places that need it most,” Hicks said. “As we pray for peace, I also want to echo what you said; as a country, we continue to pray for the protection of all the men and women in our Armed Forces. Thank God for their service and as a people to the world, continue to strive for justice and peace in our country and our city.”