Cardinal Timothy Dolan marked the end of an era at the Archdiocese of New York on Wednesday, delivering his final Christmas Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Catholics from across New York City and around the world filled the cathedral for the historic service, as Dolan celebrated Christmas morning Mass one last time as archbishop.

What You Need To Know

Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated his final Christmas Day Mass as archbishop of New York at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Dolan has led the Archdiocese of New York for 16 years and submitted his resignation after turning 75

Bishop Ronald Hicks of Illinois will succeed Dolan and take over leadership in February

Worshippers said they are grateful for Dolan’s leadership and hopeful about the future of the church

NY1 spoke with Dolan and churchgoers following the service.

“I don’t usually come to church on Christmas Day, but I was so moved,” said Donovan Wickline, a worshipper at St. Patrick’s, who said he felt compelled to attend Mass.

The moment carried special meaning for many in attendance, including lifelong New Yorkers.

“Getting to see him and hearing him speak, I really thought he was a New Yorker because he had that New York spirit. It’s going to be sad to see him go,” said Alberto Gonzalez, who attended Mass with his wife and two children.

Lisa Bonelli-Rentas said she also made it a point to attend the final Christmas service led by Dolan.

“We’re very sad. He’s great. He keeps you engaged,” Bonelli-Rentas said. “He’s good for my husband because sometimes you’re tired, and we’re really going to miss him. So we’re here.”

Wednesday marked Dolan’s final Christmas Day Mass as the head of the Archdiocese of New York. He has served as spiritual leader to nearly 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and the Hudson Valley for 16 years.

As required by church law, Dolan submitted his resignation earlier this year after turning 75. He told NY1 he is looking forward to having more downtime.

“I’ll look forward to a little bit more relaxed Christmas,” Dolan said. “I thought last night at Midnight Mass, ‘Oh, next year I’ll be able to go to bed early.’”

After the service, Dolan greeted worshippers outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, reflecting on his time as archbishop. His trademark charisma was on display when asked about people attending Mass to see him on Christmas Day.

“They come to meet Jesus because we always meet him at Mass and his holy word from the Bible and the holy Eucharist and the faith and the community,” Dolan said. “They come for that. If I can add a little Christmas spice to the eggnog, excellent.”

Dolan’s successor will be Bishop Ronald Hicks, who has led the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, since 2020. Hicks is set to assume leadership of the Archdiocese of New York in February.

Hicks, 58, was selected by Pope Leo, a fellow Illinois native. He has done missionary work in El Salvador and is fluent in Spanish.

“To every good thing comes a new beginning, achnd I am hopeful and believe that the new archbishop is going to be a wonderful archbishop,” Wickline said. “He’s going to continue the great tradition of St. Patrick’s and the wonderful example that Cardinal Dolan has shown.”

Churchgoers said they remain hopeful about the future of St. Patrick’s Cathedral under new leadership.

“There’s only one St. Pat’s. Being a New Yorker, amazing church, good vibes,” Gonzalez said. “It’s time for a change, and we welcome the new cardinal.”

“It’s very uplifting, and we need it, especially as you get older and your family gets smaller,” Bonelli-Rentas said. “It’s very important to have this church to bring you back to those days and the days going forward.”

While Dolan is stepping aside as archbishop, he told NY1 he plans to remain active. His wish for those celebrating Christmas this year, he said, is peace on Earth and goodwill heading into the new year.