The NPH family joins the Catholic Church in giving thanks and celebrating the appointment of Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks as Archbishop of New York.
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.
For the NPH family, Archbishop Hicks’ vocation is deeply connected to his long and meaningful relationship with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos.
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 three- to 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.
Miguel Venegas, Executive Director of NPH International, shared:
“Archbishop Hicks has been a guide and companion to vulnerable children and young people within NPH for many years. His service reflects a life shaped by faith, encounter, and a genuine commitment to those most in need. We are deeply grateful for his leadership within NPH and proud to see a member of our family entrusted with such an important role within the Catholic Church.”
As Archbishop Hicks begins this new pastoral mission, the entire NPH family gives thanks for his life and vocation and holds him in prayer as he serves the Catholic Church in this new role.
