Cardinal Timothy Dolan Marks 50 Years as Priest with Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop emeritus of New York, marked the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination on Thursday with a special Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

Flanked by clergy from various denominations, the 76-year-old Dolan thanked former colleagues and civic and community officials. He then praised Jesus Christ for his long church career.

"After 17 happy years, you're my family. You're my friends, and I love you. And I thank you. I thank you so much," he said. "My years as a priest and a bishop might be worthwhile. If so, it's because of you. Without Jesus, I could have done nothing; without you, none of the meager accomplishments you so graciously pointed out could have ever, ever happened."

The Mass coincided with the Feast of the Ascension, which celebrates Jesus Christ's bodily ascent to heaven 40 days after Easter Sunday. Clergy read from the Acts of the Apostles, the fifth book of the New Testament, and Saint Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, which urges church unity.

Dolan led the Archdiocese of New York from 2009 until he stepped down in December. Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, replaced him.

Dolan's biography on the archdiocese website states he was ordained a priest by the Archdiocese of Saint Louis on June 19, 1976. He served as associate pastor at Immacolata Parish in Richmond Heights, Missouri, until 1979. That year, he began doctoral studies in American Church History at The Catholic University of America.

In May 2025, he took part in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.

Hicks, whom Pope Leo once called his "Mini-Me," spoke in Spanish before switching to English to praise Dolan. Both men grew up in Chicago suburbs, served as missionaries in Latin America and speak fluent Spanish.

"Regarding being a bishop for Cardinal Dolan, you might be wondering why right now—why I'm the one giving the homily," Hicks said. "Well, after 50 years of being a priest, I think you deserve a little break now."

Hicks described an archdiocese board meeting this week. The board president, a longtime church participant though not Catholic, said his involvement convinced him "the Lord was calling him to become Catholic."

"So he turned to his good friend Cardinal Dolan and said, 'Cardinal, it's time. I want to become Catholic. Do you know a priest you can recommend to me who could help me?'" Hicks recalled. "And without missing a beat, Cardinal Dolan said back to him, 'Well, you know, you're in luck. I am a priest. And I am happy to help you.'"

"Those words reflect who and what Cardinal Dolan is to his core," Hicks added. "He is a priest who is happy to help. He is a priest following the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd."

The Mass included Biblical readings and songs.

In closing remarks, Dolan thanked his parents, married in Missouri on May 14, 1949, and his brother Pat, who gave a reading. He thanked all attendees.

"To be close to you here in New York is a gift I will treasure forever," he said. "Now, it may be Ascension Eve, but for me, it's Christmas Eve, and I'm a kid looking out at a lot of gifts under the tree. Thank you."