The Archdiocese of New York is installing its new leader, Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks, on Friday.
Hicks will lead more than 2 million Catholics as the city’s 11th archbishop.
Hicks said his theme for the special installation Mass focuses on gratitude and the mission of the Church, which includes building bridges and strengthening the faith.
Hicks said he’s referencing the man who appointed him to New York, Pope Leo the 14th, and talking about people being missionary disciples.
Among those attending Friday’s event are Hicks’ siblings, his nieces and nephews, as well as clergy and friends he has known for decades.
Hicks held a news conference ahead of the installation and said his most pressing issue is helping people keep the faith at the center of their lives and pass it on to future generations.
“One of my focuses is going to be evangelization,” said Hicks. “How do we actually be disciples who make disciples; people who have been a part of the church but maybe not so much, how do we reengage? ”
The 58-year old succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who served New York since 2009 and reached the church’s mandatory retirement age of 75.