My Dear Friends in the Lord,
As we begin the Christmas Octave celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord, I would like to extend my sincerest best wishes to my longtime friend, His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, on his retirement as Archbishop of New York. After many years of devoted service to God and His Church—in St. Louis, Missouri; Rome; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and finally the “Big Apple”—Cardinal Dolan now receives the great blessing of being able to serve in a new capacity, and of course, to enjoy more time with friends and family. Ad multos gloriososque annos!
I would also like to express my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks, the newly appointed Archbishop of New York. Archbishop-designate Hicks is also a friend of mine, and it is such a joy to know that one good friend will be succeeded by another who can carry on the Church’s mission in what is arguably the greatest city in these United States. Auguri, Sua Eccellenza!
At a pivotal moment such as this we are witnesses to one of the true blessings of Apostolic Succession in the Catholic Church, namely, the peaceful and tranquil succession of one successor of the apostles by another to carry on the same shared mission we all hold so dear: the salvation of souls. In the Catholic context, and in accord with Canon Law, when an (arch)bishop reaches the age of 75, he is required to submit his resignation to the Holy Father. At that point, His Holiness can either accept the resignation immediately, or postpone it, according to his good discernment of the needs of the (arch)diocese in question at that moment. This is simply the normal course of things. His Eminence, Cardinal Dolan, submitted his resignation in accord with Canon Law almost one year ago, and now we are blessed to know that this good shepherd will be succeeded by another good shepherd to continue Christ’s own mission. The last canon of the Code of Canon Law, Canon 1752, reads: Salus animarum suprema lex (the salvation of souls is the supreme law [in the church]), and I am honored to know that both these men hold that “supreme law” near and dear to their hearts.
Recently, I had the privilege to attend the Priests’ Retreat in my home diocese, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, at which Archbishop-designate Hicks was the preacher. While I already knew Archbishop-designate Hicks as a friend, after attending his talks, I was confirmed in my knowledge that this true churchman not only cares deeply for the salvation of souls, but also that he is a genuinely good man. I pray that his apostolic ministry in the Archdiocese of New York—a herculean task to be sure—is not only fruitful and blessed for that great flock entrusted to his care, but also that he himself finds joy and sanctification in it. Your Excellency, please be assured of my friendship and prayers!
Finally, for my longtime friend, Cardinal Dolan, I pray that his well-deserved retirement allows him the opportunity to enjoy the fully matured graces of his great labors for Christ and the People of God. Your Eminence, as you yourself took the motto Ad quem ibimus (“Lord, to whom shall we go?”, John 6:68), I pray that the Lord to whom you have consistently looked with faith throughout your long life of service may enrich and bless you, especially this Christmas, with the knowledge that your friends laud and salute you for a job very well done indeed!
Merry Christmas to all in the Archdiocese of New York on the retirement of Cardinal Dolan and the appointment of Archbishop-designate Hicks. Let us thank the Holy Father for both of these great Christmas gifts!
Sincerely in the Lord,
Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, J.C.D., D.D., D.Min.
Bishop of Orange in California