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Bishop Hicks’ Column
September 2025 
The Leo Effect: Reflecting After 100 Days
In the world of leadership, there is a common practice: after the first one hundred days in office, we pause to reflect. What direction is this new leader taking us in? What tone has been set? Where might we be headed?
In these early months, we are beginning to see the kind of shepherd God has given us. The “Leo Effect,” as I like to call it, is the fruit of his presence. It is the blessings, the new stirrings, and the hopeful signs already emerging in our Church and in our world.
At a recent Presbyteral Council meeting, one of our Augustinian priests told me that, since Pope Leo is himself an Augustinian, they have noticed a marked increase in young men expressing interest in the priesthood. That is the Leo Effect in action. These are ripples of inspiration that move from Rome all the way to local parishes and communities like ours.
Another question I have been asked many times in recent weeks is this: will Pope Leo XIV choose Chicagoland as the first place he visits? People have wondered if he might return to his roots in the south suburbs, visit his old neighborhood in Dolton, grab a slice of his favorite pizza, or even celebrate Mass at White Sox Park. As wonderful as that would be, and as much as I would personally love to see it, I usually remind people that his first stop is more likely to be a place in urgent need of healing, reconciliation, or peace. Perhaps the Holy Land, perhaps Ukraine, or perhaps another corner of the world that needs his pastoral presence. But who knows? The Holy Spirit guides these journeys, and for now we simply wait in joyful anticipation.
People close to Pope Leo have said, “He listens more than he talks.” That in itself is part of the Leo Effect. In an age of noise and constant headlines, the witness of a leader who listens deeply is striking. His way of leadership is not rooted in quick soundbites but in steady gestures of closeness and compassion. Early in his pontificate, he celebrated Mass with the homeless and then shared a meal with them. He has spoken often of the “fire of love” that must burn within us, not a fire that remains hidden, but one that spreads outward in compassion, justice, and peace.
Another sign of the Leo Effect is his bridge-building across cultures. Born in the United States, formed as a missionary in Peru, and shaped by the Augustinian spirit of community and humility, Pope Leo embodies the universality of the Church. His very life story unites North and South America, English and Spanish, tradition, and modernity.
Pope Leo has also expressed concern about pressing global issues. He has spoken about the moral questions surrounding artificial intelligence, reminding us not to allow technology, money, or power to displace God. He has called for peace in conflict zones, urging the world to pursue reconciliation. He has also reminded us that the greatness of the Church is not measured in status or wealth, but in holiness and service. Recently, he approved a new Mass for the Care of Creation, highlighting his commitment to safeguarding our common home and encouraging all believers to pray and act for the protection of God’s earth.
At the same time, he has shown deep respect for tradition. When he walked out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s, he reclaimed the use of the mozzetta, a traditional papal vestment symbolizing continuity with history. He also revived the ancient practice of personally bestowing the pallium on new archbishops. These gestures remind us that while Pope Leo leads the Church into new challenges, he remains anchored in her history and symbols. His leadership balances continuity with creativity.
Many have also noted his warmth and relatability. He is approachable, enjoys simple pastimes like baseball, tennis, and word games, and speaks plainly from the heart. These touches of humanity remind us that the pope is not a distant figure but a pastor walking with his flock.
The Leo Effect is nothing less than the Holy Spirit reminding us that God is alive and active in His Church. And just as the world pauses after one hundred days to reflect on a leader, let us pause to recognize the Spirit’s work through Pope Leo XIV. As we pray for our new Holy Father, let us also commit ourselves to being open to the impact the Leo Effect can have on our own lives, to become people of unity, compassion, and love that set the world aflame.
Pope Francis Names New Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Joliet
Today, (September 27, 2024), the Vatican announced
that Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Dennis E.
Spies as the new Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of
Joliet, Illinois. Most recently, Father Dennis has been
serving as the Vicar for Clergy in the Diocese of Joliet
in Illinois. The episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Spies will take place at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois on November 6, 2024.
Bishop Ronald A. Hicks said, “I am sincerely grateful to Pope Francis for the joyful news of this appointment. Father Dennis is a wonderful priest who has already worn many hats in his priesthood including pastor, seminary leader and the Vicar for Clergy. He is hardworking, prayerful, and ‘down to earth’ with a very relatable manner. As a new auxiliary bishop, he will be a great help to me. But most importantly he will share his many gifts with this large and active Diocese of Joliet in Illinois. Together we will continue our mission in the Diocese with a shared focus on catechesis, evangelization and putting our faith into action. How blessed we are to welcome Father Dennis as our new Auxiliary Bishop.”
Bishop-elect Spies was born in 1968 to Rose Mary and Vincent Spies (deceased 2009). He was raised in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Ashkum, Illinois where he attended Ashkum Elementary School and Clifton Central High School. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture-Business Economics, graduating in 1990.
Following college, Bishop-elect Spies served as team leader with National Evangelization Team (NET) and then returned to Ashkum to farm and run a soybean business on his family’s farm. In the fall of 1997, Bishop-elect Spies entered seminary formation at Mundelein Seminary at University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois where he majored in Sacred Liturgy and graduated with a Master’s degree in Divinity in 2002.
Bishop-elect Spies was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Joliet on June 1, 2002, by Bishop Joseph L. Imesch at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois. Following ordination, Bishop-elect Spies ministered for many years in the Diocese, including as associate pastor at St. Walter’s Parish in Roselle (2002-2005), associate pastor at St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield (2005-2008), pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Gibson City, St. George in Melvin, and Immaculate Conception in Roberts (2008-2011). His next pastor assignment included St. Liborius in Steger, Mother Teresa Catholic Academy in Crete, and St. Mary Parish in Park Forest (2013-2016). In 2010, following a three-year program, Bishop-elect Spies attained his Sacred Theology degree and license (STL), with a focus on spirituality of the diocesan priest, from the University of St. Mary of the Lake.
From 2016 – 2024 Bishop-elect Spies served on the formation faculty as Director of Pre-Theology and Internship at Mundelein Seminary at University of St. Mary of the Lake. On July 1, 2024, he was appointed as the Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Joliet by Bishop Ronald A. Hicks.
Over the past 18 years, Bishop-elect Spies has given his time and offered ministry in a number of other roles including Diocesan Presbyteral Council (as member and then chairman from 2006 – 20011), Dean of the Will County Deanery of parishes and priests (2013 – 2016), Institute of Priestly Formation spiritual director (2016 -2023), Cursillo weekend retreats and spiritual leader (2003-2024), and Be Healed weekend retreats and spiritual leader (2020 – 2024).
Throughout his various ministries, Bishop-elect Spies values the ability to meet and connect with people in a way that allows others to better know Jesus Christ. His life goal is to be known as “one who loved and taught others to love.”
Clergy, staff and parishioners around the Diocese of Joliet are elated to work with Bishop-elect Spies as our new Auxiliary Bishop. Please join Bishop Hicks in warmly welcoming Bishop-elect Spies to his new and important role within our Diocese.
Diocese of Joliet Announces Appointment of New Bishop, Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
07/17/2020
JOLIET, IL-- Pope Francis today announced that he has named Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as the sixth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, IL. Pope Francis had previously accepted the resignation of Bishop Emeritus R. Daniel Conlon and had named Bishop Richard E. Pates as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese until a new bishop could be appointed.
Bishop Hicks, 52, will be installed at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Ill. on September 29, 2020. "The Diocese of Joliet is most grateful to Pope Francis for the appointment of Bishop Ronald Hicks as its sixth bishop,” said Bishop Pates. “The bishop owns a reputation for pastoral leadership and is totally committed to the ongoing renewal of the Catholic Church. He is a worthy successor to Bishop Conlon and his predecessors."
About Bishop Hicks
Bishop Hicks, a native of Harvey, IL. grew up in South Holland, IL. where he attended St. Jude the Apostle Parish and Grade School. He graduated from Quigley Seminary South in 1985. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Niles College of Loyola University Chicago in 1989 and his Master of Divinity degree in 1994 and his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2003, both from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL.
Bishop Hicks served as an Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Chicago from 1994 to 1996 and then at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills, IL. from 1996 to 1999. From 1999 to 2005, he lived and ministered at St. Joseph College Seminary as the Dean of Formation.
In July 2005, with permission from Cardinal Francis George, Bishop Hicks moved from Chicago to El Salvador to begin his five-year term as Regional Director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) in Central America. NPH is a home dedicated to caring for more than 3,400 orphaned and abandoned children in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries.
From 2010 to 2014, Bishop Hicks served as the Dean of Formation at Mundelein Seminary. During that time, he assisted with weekend Masses at St. Jerome Parish in Rogers Park, Chicago, IL.
Bishop Hicks was appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese by Cardinal Cupich on January 1, 2015. On September 17, 2018 he was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.
About the Diocese of Joliet
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet was established by decree of Pope Pius XII, and formed out of parts of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Diocese of Peoria and the Diocese of Rockford. Samuel Cardinal Stritch of the Archdiocese of Chicago installed Most Reverend Martin D. McNamara as Joliet’s first Bishop (1948-1966) at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet on March 24, 1949. Bishop Ronald Hicks will be Joliet’s sixth bishop, following also Bishop Romeo Blanchette (1966-1979), Bishop Joseph Imesch (1979-2006), Archbishop J. Peter Sartain (2006-2010) and Bishop R. Daniel Conlon (2011-2020).
The Diocese of Joliet presently serves 616,000 parishioners in 118 parishes & 7 missions across DuPage, Will, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois counties in Illinois. The Diocese additionally serves thousands of students across its 42 elementary schools, 8 high schools and 3 universities. Volunteers from our communities serve in countless ministries at their parishes and through our overseas missions, while Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Joliet serves tens of thousands through its mobile food pantries, Daybreak Center in Joliet, early childhood services, counseling and aging and disability services.
