Father Enrique Salvo Named Rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

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Cardinal Dolan has appointed Father Enrique F. Salvo as the new rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The appointment was effective Nov. 15. 

The announcement was made Nov. 5.

He succeeds Msgr. Robert T. Ritchie, who has retired after serving as rector since 2006. 

Father Salvo was most recently pastor of St. Anselm and St. Roch parish in the Bronx, and dean of Bronx West. He served as regional dean of the South Bronx, 2019-2021.

Greeting the congregation at a morning Mass at the cathedral Nov. 15, Father Salvo said, “It’s a blessing to be here. God is a God of surprises, and he appointed me here through the cardinal’s choice.”

He said he counted on their prayers and support and assured them they could count on him for everything. “I look forward to this new part of this journey. God bless you all.”

Father Salvo had served since 2017 as pastor of St. Anselm and St. Roch, where he previously was administrator for a year. He was director of vocations for the archdiocese, 2012-2016. He served as parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth parish in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, 2010-2012. 

A native of Nicaragua, Father Salvo was ordained a priest of the archdiocese in 2010. Before beginning studies for the priesthood, he worked in finance.

Msgr. Ritchie was ordained in 1971 and celebrated his golden jubilee this year. Before becoming rector in 2006, he had been pastor of Our Lady of Angels, the Bronx, since 1999. He was pastor of St. Catherine of Genoa, Manhattan, 1983-1999, and parochial vicar, 1971-1975. While serving at Our Lady of Angels, he was appointed regional vicar of the Northwest Bronx in 2002. 

He was director of Catholic Charities’ Department of Youth Services and executive director of the Catholic Youth Organization, 1978-1983. From 1975 to 1978, he was assistant director of youth activities for Catholic Charities. 

He was named a monsignor in 2006.