NEW YORK, N.Y. — A Staten Island pastor and members of the Filipino Catholic Apostolate attended the Feb. 5 installation Mass for Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, marking an important moment for the Archdiocese of New York.
The Filipino Catholic Apostolate, commonly known as FILCA, was represented at the solemn liturgy by its chaplain, the Rev. Rhey Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in West Brighton, along with other members of the clergy.
The Mass formally installed Archbishop Hicks as leader of the Archdiocese of New York, one of the largest and most diverse dioceses in the United States.
“Witnessing this moment reminds me that the Church is alive — not frozen by the cold or by time — but constantly renewed by faithful servants,” Father Garcia said. “May this new era of shepherding draw us closer to Christ, the eternal Shepherd, who leads us home to the Father.”
Archbishop Ronald Hicks gives the homily during his Mass of Installation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in New York. AP
Father Garcia said the weather outside was 17 degrees, but the atmosphere inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral was filled with warmth drawn from the enthusiasm of the faithful and the grace of the historic day.
“Over 2,000 guests filled St. Patrick’s Cathedral, including about 90 bishops, six cardinals and nearly 800 priests,” he said. “It was a ceremony rich in traditions that, for centuries, have marked the Church’s transition from one shepherd to another.”
Father Garcia recounted that at exactly 2 p.m., the cathedral bells tolled as Archbishop Hicks stood outside the great bronze doors while parishioners gathered behind barricades, singing praise songs under the watch of the New York City Police Department.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks gives the homily during his Mass of Installation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in New York. AP
“The Archbishop’s secretary handed him a mallet, and he struck the heavy door three times,” Father Garcia said. “The rector opened the doors with the help of staff, and as the Archbishop stepped in from the freezing air, the faithful erupted into welcoming applause.”
He said Archbishop Hicks was handed by the vicar general a crucifix from El Salvador — a gift from orphaned children he once served — and Archbishop Hicks kissed it reverently before processing down the aisle, blessing the faithful along the way.
After embracing his sister-in-law near the altar, the Apostolic Letter of Pope Leo, written in Latin and bearing the papal seal on parchment, was proclaimed and presented to the faithful.
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks puts on a hat during a Vespers service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in New York. AP
“Cardinal (Timothy) Dolan and the apostolic nuncio, the pope’s ambassador, then accompanied Archbishop Hicks to the cathedra, handing him the pastoral staff,” Father Garcia said. “The transition was complete.”
The cathedra is the formal, elevated seat or throne of a bishop, situated in the sanctuary of a cathedral church. It symbolizes the bishop’s teaching authority, pastoral power, and leadership within their diocese; its presence defines a cathedral.
FILCA leaders said their presence underscored unity with the archdiocese and the group’s commitment to serving Filipino Catholics across New York.
They also expressed gratitude for the archdiocese’s formal recognition of FILCA as an official apostolate, affirming the growing role of Filipino Catholics in the local Church.
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks leaves a Vespers service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in New York. AP
The Feb. 5, 2026, installation was not Father Garcia’s first major liturgy at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
On Dec. 5, 2025, he helped oversee preparations under the guidance of the archdiocese’s Cultural Diversity Apostolate for a historic Mass — the first at the cathedral led by FILCA.
At that celebration, Father Garcia welcomed the congregation and noted the significance of the occasion.
“This year is especially meaningful, as for the first time the Filipino Catholic Apostolate — FILCA — is overseeing the preparations for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral under the loving care of the Cultural Diversity Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York,” he said.
The event was coordinated in partnership with Simbang Gabi sa Katedral Inc., led by the Rev. Dr. Joseph Marabe, permanent chair of the organization, who has long guided the cathedral observance.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks gives the homily during his Mass of Installation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in New York. AP
Father Garcia said Simbang Gabi is not merely a cultural tradition but a living expression of faith that draws people closer to one another and to God.
The Filipino Catholic Apostolate supports the spiritual life of Filipino Catholics through liturgical celebrations, preservation of cultural traditions and community outreach programs.
For more information about the Filipino Catholic Apostolate, contact filcc.ny25@gmail.com or call 718-442-0058.
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks listens to the hymn during a Vespers service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in New York. AP
Archbishop Ronald Hicks sits for communion during his Mass of Installation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in New York. AP
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in West Brighton, is shown leading a special Archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in West Brighton, is shown leading a special Archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.(Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)