St. Mary Church in Mokena had the privilege of hosting Bishop Ronald A. Hicks many times over his tenure. Now, with the bishop setting off to begin his new assignment as the Archbishop of New York, St. Mary remembers an inspiring shepherd and friend.
Among Bishop Hick’s visits to our parish, a few stand out for their special significance.
The first occurred in April 2022 when he consecrated the new St. Mary altar, part of a multimillion-dollar renovation supported by our generous parishioners.
The second happened in October 2023, when he visited to bless two new pieces of sacred art commissioned by former pastor Fr. Dindo Billote. After a special Mass, he blessed the large painting of the Annunciation and the Pietà sculpture in the narthex.
In January 2025, the bishop celebrated St. Mary School’s 75th Anniversary Jubilee Mass to support students, parents, faculty, and staff during that historic milestone.
More recently, Bishop Hicks installed Fr. Joe Gasta as St. Mary pastor in August 2025 during a beautiful Mass attended by visiting priests, deacons, and parish acolytes.
A Bishop of the People
Each time he visited, Bishop Hicks connected with staff and parishioners. He would humbly ask for everyone’s prayers and promise to pray for them too. After celebrating a Mass, he would devote time to meeting parishioners in the narthex, shaking hands, taking pictures, and exchanging a few words.
Bob Cornejo, who leads the St. Mary Parish Council, fondly recalled these visits. “He always seemed very generous with his availability and his time,” said Cornejo. “His relatable nature has remained an endearing part of his personality during his time as Bishop of the Joliet Diocese.”
Tami Brongiel, Director of Religious Education at St. Mary, worked with Bishop Hicks at the Diocese before starting her role at the parish. “For the past five years, the Diocese of Joliet has been blessed to be shepherded by Bishop Hicks, a humble, kind and gracious man of God,” says Brongiel. “Our daughter currently attends a university in Manhattan, New York and is delighted that she will still be a part of his flock… I wish him all the best in his new assignment and my prayers go with him. He will be greatly missed by all!”
A Guiding Mentor
Bishop Hicks had an even more transformative impact on Fr. Joe Gasta. Originally a priest of the Rogationist Order, Fr. Joe had been assigned as a Parochial Vicar at St. Mary in the summer of 2024—only a year before he would become its pastor.
The surprise of having to take the reins of the parish so quickly made a significant impact on Fr. Joe. “At that time, I had many doubts. I questioned my abilities and wondered if I was ready for such a responsibility,” he recalls. “Bishop Hicks encouraged me to trust, to have faith, and to believe that God was guiding this path. He reminded me to place my confidence in God and in His plans. His words and his trust helped me move forward with courage and hope.”
As challenging as the transition to pastor seemed for Fr. Joe, having a bishop in his court made all the difference. “Bishop Hicks has greatly touched my life and my ministry. He is truly a man of vision. He sees the good and the potential in every person. He believes in people even when they struggle to believe in themselves,” he says.
Bishop Hicks will be installed as Archbishop of New York on Friday, February 6, and now the roles are reversed. Fr. Joe, along with Fr. Welbert, will be traveling to the “Big Apple” to support their shepherd and friend.
“To show my love, gratitude, and support, I have decided to attend Bishop Hicks’ installation in New York. Fr. Welbert and I will represent the entire parish community on this special occasion. And who knows, this may not be the end of the story. Maybe one day, God will call him to serve in an even greater way. Maybe as a Cardinal? Or our next Pope?”
You can stream the installation of Bishop Ronald A. Hicks as Archbishop of New York below:
The Mokena Marian 