CARMEL – Timothy Cardinal Dolan welcomed Bishop Ronald Hicks to St. Patrick’s Cathedral after Pope Leo XIV officially accepted Dolan’s resignation and named Hicks the new archbishop of New York on Friday.

Dolan introduced his successor, the 58-year-old bishop from the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois, with his signature grace and humility.

While many Catholics are sad to see Dolan stepping down, the cardinal assured them he believes they are in good hands.

At a news conference at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, Dolan said, “Saint Nicholas has left us an early Christmas gift in the appointment by Pope Leo XIV of our new archbishop, Ronald Hicks. I’ve gotten to know him and I already love him and appreciate him and trust him.”

Cardinal Dolan frequently visited Putnam County meeting with parishioners at St. John’s Church in Mahopac, St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster and St. James Church in Carmel. He also delivered special masses to inmates at the Putnam Correctional Facility.

Two priests who became close friends of Cardinal Dolan were Father Szymon Kurpios, formerly of St. James Church and current pastor of St. John’s parish in Mahopac.

Father Kurpios reflected that memories of Cardinal Dolan remain “vivid and deeply personal, marked by warmth, humor, and genuine care for others. His presence always felt approachable and sincere, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.”

The local clergyman said Cardinal Dolan “was always friendly, greeting people with an easy smile and a readiness to connect. He loved making light‑hearted jokes about Polish and Irish heritage, using humor as a bridge that made everyone feel included and at ease.”\

Father Richard Gill also had fond memories of the cardinal. “Cardinal Dolan has always been a great friend of St. Lawrence and Sacred Heart parishes, having visited us several times over the years since blessing our newly renovated Church for our Centennial in 2015.  He’s been so supportive of our ministries of Brewster Cares with the homeless and the immigrants, our Perpetual Adoration Chapel, and especially Gianna’s House’s outreach to women struggling with unexpected pregnancies.  His leadership and passion, his good humor and approachableness have inspired so many of our people and we will miss him as our Archbishop.”

Christina Grant of Brewster had the opportunity to chat with Cardinal Dolan during his Putnam visits.

“I felt Cardinal Dolan’s deep love for Jesus each time I saw him or heard him speak. He embraced traditional Catholic teaching, taking a strong stand on anti-abortion. As a frequent visitor to St. Lawrence he praised our parish for our works especially for Gianna House, established to support pregnant woman. He was personable, visible to the church, to the media and to the public. While there are controversies surrounding Cardinal Dolan, as there is with any individual, he guided us through challenging times. I will remember his constant push for the vocation of priesthood so that the church could continue. He once said, ‘Priests must be pastors after the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.’  Cardinal Dolan was a good shepherd too, one who will be missed by many,” she said.