Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Place your trust in Jesus, the Son of God, crucified and risen, who saves and sets us free — the Friend who never abandons or rejects us, the Brother who understands us and who always walks with us.”
Pope Leo spoke these words at the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, marking the first anniversary of his historic election as the first American Pope. His reflection was filled with Easter joy, deep faith, and genuine love for the people of God. I encourage you to read the Holy Father’s reflection on the Vatican website. In his words, you can sense his enthusiasm, his hope, and his unwavering trust in the Lord. Pope Leo has placed God firmly at the center of his life, as He should be at the center of all our lives.
During this Easter season, we rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We also remember that no one was more united to Christ in both suffering and joy than His mother, Mary. May is the Month of Mary, an opportunity for us to deepen our relationship with the Blessed Mother. As Catholics, we love Mary, yet there is always more to learn from her faith, humility, and complete trust in God’s plan.
This month, I invite you to draw closer to her. Through her intercession, Mary always leads us closer to her Son and reminds us that we are never alone or abandoned. She teaches us to trust in God even in difficult moments and to remain faithful in hope.
Understandably, there are times in life when we may feel alone or wonder if anyone is truly on our side. The answer to that is always yes; Jesus is with you. The world may at times make us feel forgotten or abandoned, but Christ never abandons us. He remains beside us in love.
Always remember, He is the Friend who never abandons us, never rejects us, the Brother who understands us and always walks beside us.
With good wishes, I ask God to bless you always.
As I am,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks Archbishop of New York
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Birth in Chicago, Illinois
Robert Francis Prevost is born in Chicago.
e Life of
POPE LEO XIV
• 267 th Pontiff of the Catholic Church
• First American Pope
• Elected May 8, 2025
Education and Early Religious Formation
• Earns a mathematics degree from Villanova University (PA).
• Studies theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
• Joins the Order of St. Augustine.
Missionary Work in Peru
• Serves in Trujillo, Peru as a missionary, parish priest, seminary director, and eventually bishop.
• Naturalized as a citizen of Peru.
• Known for humility and work with the poor and migrants.
Consecrated as Bishop
Formally installed as bishop in Chiclayo, Peru.
Leadership in the Augustinian Order
Becomes prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, traveling globally to serve Augustinian communities.
Elevated to Cardinal
On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis places the biretta on then–Archbishop
Robert Francis Prevost in St. Peter’s Square, elevating him to Cardinal while he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Elected Pope
• Elected by 133 c ardinals as the 267th pope, succeeding Pope Francis.
• Takes the name Pope Leo XIV
First Words as Pope (May 8, 2025)
From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he greets the world with: “Peace be with you.”
Ordination as a Priest
Ordained at age 27 in Rome after earning a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Appointed Apostolic Administrator
Named by Pope Francis to lead the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru.
Vatican Leadership
As Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he oversaw the selection and management of bishops globally –one of the most powerful positions in the Roman Curia.
As we mark one year since the election of Pope Leo XIV,
the video below looks back on the moments, words, and images that have defined his first year as pontiff. From his calls for peace and unity to his commitment to human dignity and care for the marginalized, Pope Leo has offered the faithful a steady witness rooted in the Gospel.
We hope these moments from the past year renew your faith and inspire your own journey of discipleship.
EVENTS
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Singles Journey Together: St. Cabrini Eucharistic Pilgrimage
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, MAY 22 – TUESDAY, MAY 26
Pentecost Vigil | Vigilia de Pentecostés
Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Mass for Our Lady of Manaoag
Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Our Lady of Lujan Mass | Misa en honor a Nuestra Señora de Luján
Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Pentecost Festival
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Approaching the Threshold of Eternity
Respect Life Office
SATURDAY, MAY 30
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Confirmation for Youth with Disabilities Office of Youth Faith Formation
SUNDAY, MAY 31
Dominican Republic Mission: It is I, Do Not Be Afraid
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
TUESDAY, JUNE 2 – FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Puerto Rican Cultural Day Mass | Misa del Día Cultural Puertorriqueño
Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Artist Retreat: Behold the Beautiful Body of Christ
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 – SUNDAY, JUNE 14
2026 Catholic Media Conference: Innovation Anchored in Mission Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 – FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Primer Encuentro Eucarístico Hispano
Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Young Adult Pilgrimage: A Journey in Europe
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 – SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
The Way of St. James: A Pilgrimage to Spain
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 – THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Young Adult Retreat: Open the Door of Your Heart
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
A Pilgrimage to Italy
Office of Vocations
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
A Pilgrimage to France
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Receiving and Celebrating the New Liturgy of the Hours
Office of Liturgy
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
INITIATIVES
Building Momentum Together
Repect Life Office
End-of-Life Decision Making: Updated Booklet from NYS Bishops
With the legalization of physician-assisted suicide in New York set for this summer, the Catholic Bishops of New York State have released a revised and updated edition of their teaching booklet Now and at the Hour of Our Death: A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decision-Making.
The first half of the eight-page booklet, published by the New York State Catholic Conference, summarizes Church teaching on various end-of-life issues, including assisted suicide and euthanasia, ordinary vs. extraordinary treatment, and what is required regarding artificial nutrition and hydration. The second half outlines legal options for advance planning available in New York State. It is intended as a guide to help Catholics navigate difficult issues and decisions that eventually face every family.
Now and at the Hour of Our Death is available for free as a digital download . To order hardcopy booklets, email info@ nyscatholic.org or call 518.434.6195.
Parish Action Guide for Father’s Day
Father’s Day, though not a liturgical observance, is an appropriate time to recall the essential role of fathers in the life of the family and in building a culture of life. It is also an opportunity to highlight spiritual fatherhood, which all men are called to embrace. This Parish Action Guide (in English and Spanish) includes action steps, sample intercessions and announcements, homily notes, and an activity to help your parish celebrate and pray for the fathers in your community.
St. Joseph’s Seminary
Summer Semester Starts Soon!
It’s not too late to apply and register for St. Joseph’s upcoming Summer 2026 semester. Classes are taught online and in person and run Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, July 10. Courses being offered include Women of the Bible, Apologetics, and Principles of Sacred Music . Join us this summer at SJS!
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
Parish Youth and Young Adult Nights
Our pastoral office is hosting parish youth and young adult nights for parishes interested in starting a new youth ministry (for middle and high schoolers) and/or young adult ministry (18-35 year olds). For more info, please contact Pjetër Nilaj, Coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry and University Apostolate at archny.org/young-catholics.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leadership Formation
Our pastoral office is hosting youth ministry and young adult ministry leadership formation for young adults interested interested in growing in their Catholic faith and leadership. For more info, please contact Pjetër Nilaj, Coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry and University Apostolate at archny.org/young-catholics.
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
Time to Step Outside and Enjoy God’s Creation Together
Singles Journey Together: St. Cabrini Eucharistic Pilgrimage
Spend Memorial Day weekend with the 365 Catholic singles community!
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine | St. Augustine, FL
FRIDAY, MAY 22 – TUESDAY, MAY 26
Pentecost Festival
Praise, worship, and inspiring talks! A day full of Holy Spirit fire to celebrate Pentecost. Join us as we celebrate Pentecost at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.
National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians | Stony Point, NY
SUNDAY, MAY 24 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Annual White Mass
Special Honorees: The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and their 74-year legacy at Mary Manning Walsh Home
The Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, Archbishop of New York, welcomes you to the Annual White Mass, honoring all healthcare professionals and caregivers. View online at archcare.org/whitemass
St. Patrick’s Cathedral | New York, NY
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 | 10:00 AM
Puerto Rican Cultural Day Mass | Misa del Día Cultural Puertorriqueño
Celebre con la comunidad católica puertorriqueña la Misa del Día Cultural Puertorriqueño. Todos son bienvenidos. Celebrante principal y homilista: Su Excelencia Ronald A. Hicks, Arzobispo de Nueva York. St. Patrick’s Cathedral | New York, NY
SUNDAY, JUNE 7 | 4:00 PM
Italian Mass in Honor of St. Anthony of Padua
Liturgy of the Word and Song will be in Italian. There will be light refreshments after the Mass, as well as live music. Church of the Assumption | Peekskill, NY
TUESDAY, JUNE 9 | 7:00 PM
Pipes of Splendor: The Unveiling
Liturgy of the Word and Song will be in Italian. There will be light refreshments after the Mass, as well as live music. Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral | New York, NY
THURSDAY, JUNE 11 | 7:00 PM
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