The Archbishop of New York, Ronald Hicks, states that the archdiocese is experiencing a growing return of young adults to religious practice, a phenomenon he attributes to disillusionment with a society increasingly detached from faith, moral tradition, and the values that give meaning to life.
In an interview given to Vatican News after receiving the pallium from Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica, the prelate maintained that numerous young people between the ages of twenty and thirty “are returning to the Church, seeking community and wanting to serve,” after having experienced “the fragility of a world disconnected from faith, from moral tradition, or from values and virtues that guide life.”
Hicks sees a return of young adults to the Church
The archbishop explained that this renewed interest in the faith represents one of the greatest pastoral opportunities for the Church in New York. In his view, many young people are seeking more than professional success or material well-being and find in the Church a community where they can put their faith at the service of others.
“They want to make the world a better place and can turn to the Church, which knows how to translate faith into action, service, and volunteering,” he stated.
Hicks noted that his intention is to take advantage of this moment to strengthen Christian formation at all levels. “I want to make sure that we intentionally help not only young people, but people of all ages, to know, love, and serve the Lord,” he explained.
“A world disconnected from faith”
The prelate believes that this return of many young people is closely linked to the void left by an increasingly secularized society.
“They have seen the reality of a world that is not connected with faith, with moral tradition, or with values and virtues that guide life; a world that says: ‘Just do what you want, think what you want; your happiness is yours and mine is mine.’ There has to be something more,” he stated.
According to Hicks, it is precisely this search for a solid foundation that is leading many young people to draw closer to the Church once again.
Formation, catechesis, and evangelization
The archbishop stated that one of his priorities will be to strengthen formation, catechesis, and evangelization in order to consolidate this religious awakening.
At the same time, he advocated for a Church “that is not self-referential, but a Church on mission and at the service of others,” affirming that this is also the pastoral model that Pope Leo XIV is proposing to the bishops.
Faith cannot be confined to the private sphere
During the interview, Hicks also warned of the risk of living the faith exclusively in the private sphere. In his view, there is a “false humility” that leads many Catholics to hide their convictions outside the church building.
“Our faith cannot remain on a shelf while we live with our families, work, or interact with others,” he stated.
Although he rejected any form of aggressive proselytism, he insisted that Christians are called to evangelize and to present Jesus Christ as the way of salvation.
“Never lose hope”
In the final part of the interview, the archbishop offered a message of hope to the faithful, evoking the Gospel episode of Jesus calming the storm.
“Never lose hope. Jesus is always in the boat with us,” he affirmed. “Even if He seems to be asleep amid the storms, He never abandons us. He invites us to follow Him and to live the faith even in the midst of difficulties.”