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NPH USA Celebrates the Appointment of Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks as Archbishop of New York
Chicago, IL – December 18, 2025 — NPH USA joins the NPH family and the Catholic Church in celebrating Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks as Archbishop of New York.
Archbishop Hicks will succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has led New York—the second-largest U.S. archdiocese by population, with 2.5 million Catholics—since 2009.
For the NPH family, Archbishop Hicks’ vocation is deeply connected to his long and meaningful relationship with NPH.
Prior to his ordination, he volunteered for one year at NPH Mexico in 1989, an experience that profoundly shaped his commitment to vulnerable children and youth. His relationship with NPH continued in the years that followed, and in July 2005, with the permission of his bishop, Francis Cardinal George, he moved from Chicago to Central America to begin a five-year term as Regional Director of NPH Central America, a role he held until 2010.
During this time, Archbishop Hicks oversaw the NPH homes in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. He resided at the NPH home in El Salvador, where he shared daily life with the children and youth, accompanied caregivers and staff, and provided pastoral and spiritual support to the NPH community across the region. His leadership was marked by presence, humility, and a deep respect for the dignity of every child.
Jennifer Rayno, Chief Executive Officer of NPH USA, shared:
“We are delighted to celebrate the appointment of Bishop Ron as Archbishop. His steady leadership, deep faith, and commitment to service have long been evident, and this new role is a meaningful recognition of his dedication. We congratulate Archbishop Ron and offer our prayers and support as he begins this next chapter of ministry.”
Archbishop Hicks was ordained a priest in 1994 for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Niles College of Loyola University Chicago, as well as a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. His priestly ministry included service as Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Chicago and St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills. He later dedicated several years to priestly formation, serving as Dean of Formation and Dean of Admissions at St. Joseph College Seminary at Loyola University Chicago.
As Archbishop Hicks begins this new pastoral mission, the entire NPH family gives thanks for his life and vocation as he serves the Catholic Church in this new role.
Photos below: NPH Founder Fr. William Wasson with Fr. Ron Hicks, 2005; Fr. Ron at NPH Bolivia, 2007; Fr. Ron at NPH El Salvador, 2008 and 2017; NPH USA CEO Jennifer Rayno with Bishop Hicks, October 2025.
