Students from Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of New York have united to present A Spiritual Bouquet of Prayer and Love to Archbishop Ronald Hicks as he begins his ministry as the 11th Archbishop of New York. The bouquet includes thousands of prayers, acts of kindness, and personal sacrifices gathered from students and school communities throughout the archdiocese. Click here to download our press release.
The offering responds directly to Archbishop Hicks’ request for prayers and reflects the vibrant Catholic identity present in New York’s Catholic schools. Accompanying it was a letter from Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York.
“On behalf of the students of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, it is a great joy to present this spiritual bouquet, offered with love, gratitude, and prayer as you begin your ministry among us,” she wrote.
Through classroom prayer, acts of kindness, and personal sacrifices, students participated in the bouquet as a sign of support for their new shepherd.
“Our students listened closely to your request for prayers and responded with generous and sincere hearts. The prayers, sacrifices, and acts of kindness gathered here reflect their faith and their desire to support you as their shepherd,” Sr. Mary Grace Walsh added.
The spiritual bouquet reflects the daily life of Catholic schools, where faith formation shapes students’ hearts and minds.
“In our Catholic schools, the love of Jesus is very much alive, shaping our classrooms, grounding our prayer, and forming the hearts of young people who strive each day to live the Gospel,” she said.
The offering also includes prayers from those who serve the mission of Catholic education across the archdiocese.
“In this same spirit, the staff of the Superintendent of Schools Office and the Department of Education for the Archdiocese of New York join our students and school communities in offering prayer and support as you begin this new ministry,” Sr. Mary Grace Walsh concluded.
The mission of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York is to provide a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and welcoming education that empowers students of all backgrounds to become lifelong learners and leaders, deeply rooted in faith, service, and the Gospel values.
A Spiritual Bouquet of Prayer and Love stands as a sign of welcome, unity, and ongoing prayer from Catholic school communities throughout New York as they accompany Archbishop Hicks at the start of his ministry.