NEW YORK (WABC) — Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks begins the process Thursday of taking over the Archdiocese of New York.
Hicks will succeed Timothy Cardinal Dolan, who submitted his resignation last year after turning 75, as required under church law.
The transition begins with a news conference scheduled for 10 a.m.
Hicks is expected to speak publicly as he prepares for two major days marking the change in leadership.
Vespers will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 5 p.m. The service, one of the church’s daily prayer traditions, is expected to last about 45 minutes.
Archbishop designate Hicks will preside and preach.
Thursday’s prayer service is expected to be reflective and contemplative ahead of Friday’s installation Mass, which will formally mark the beginning of his leadership of the Archdiocese of New York.
It’ll begin with Hicks arriving at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the 2 p.m. mass and knocking on the doors.
Cardinal Dolan will greet him and Hicks will be presented with a crucifix.
A letter from the pope will read, appointing Hicks and mass will continue as normal.
Hicks comes from the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, a much smaller diocese, to lead the largest archdiocese in the country.
The Archdiocese of New York serves more than 2 million Catholics across the region.
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