Bishop David O'Connell murder: Mourners pay tribute to slain Out of his love for God, he served this city for more than 40 years as an immigrant from Ireland, he said. He had been shot in the upper torso. Published Feb 20, 2023 11:18 AM The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service. He invited young people to talk with Jesus, with love, Perez said. His passing was declared in a Authorities ID Man Arrested In Killing Of LA Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell As Husband Of Housekeeper By Jackie Orchard. February 19, 2023. He was never too busy for someone. Bishop David O'Connell This is just so senseless. Catholic News Agency. It always made me want to do more in my faith., Bishop David OConnell seen with young adults at an event in September 2019. WebBishop O'Connell may refer to: . A group of attendees to the annual Religious Education Congress Youth Day view a photo collage of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. OConnell and write notes in a book in the Sacred Space at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on Thursday, February 23, 2023. HACIENDA HEIGHTS, Calif. (KABC) -- Mourners are continuing to stop by the Hacienda Heights home of slain Bishop David O'Connell, questioning the seeming senselessness of his murder and remembering him as a warm and caring man. He is survived by his brother Kieran and extended family. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Devoted, humble, down to earth and a father figure this was how many young Catholics describe the late Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell. Photo: Screenshot from livecast, Thousands attend Mass at the annual Religious Education Congress Youth Day, a Catholic teaching conference for youth and adults, held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on Thursday, February 23, 2023. As I was completing my Ph.D. and starting to design my own research studies, it was Bishop Daves example that inspired me to continue working with faith leaders and communities as partners in health-equity-focused, action-oriented research. That meeting left a strong impression on the young student, and he eventually opted to study for the priesthood at All-Hallows College, which prepared candidates for missions abroad. Jay Cunnane of St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Long Beach had been friends with OConnell for more than 50 years. He began his day before dawn, ended it after midnight and filled almost every hour with people, all sorts of people in every state of emotion, need and grace. Funeral service for slain LA bishop David O'Connell. His office often had a line out the door, full of young people waiting to talk to him. I was always impressed with Father Daves street smarts, compassion, and willingness to challenge people in power around a variety of issues, including immigrant rights, housing justice, racism, and public safety, Prof Dreier wrote in a tribute after his death. A priest of the He spoke of always seeing his friend approaching him in the parking lot with his dog leash in one hand and his Padre Pio rosary in the other. With the bishops support, they started the Encounter School of Ministry, Los Angeles campusduring the pandemic. It was like God brought Bishop Dave into our lives as this awesome dad we could come to, for anything we need, said Nicole Tobin. And yet I feel in all the outpouring of love and esteem and all of the inspiration and all the testimonies this week I feel a presence.. The Los Angeles Province Sheriffs Specialization expressed that the shooting happened in the 1500 block of Janlu Road. But I didnt. Local Catholics say that OConnells deep dedication to ministering to young people along with involvement in region-wide church initiatives and ministries was what made him genuine and accessible. He always broke down barriers and was so down to earth; he never exalted himself Bishop Dave defined so much of the generosity of God throughout his life, that he had so much to give back.. Bishop David OConnell I was better for having known Dave OConnell the essence of him was his relationship with Jesus Christ. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photo: Screenshot from livecast, Rev. That inspired him to organize retreats for men -- usually in the mountains -- focusing on how to be good fathers and husbands, something he saw as key to the health of a community. Los Angeles DA George Gascon announces murder charge against It always made me want to do more in my faith., Bishop David OConnell seen with young adults at an event in September 2019. The synod will meet in a different Vatican hall. Mariela Arellano said she first met OConnell in her later teen years, and watched him grow his ministry by working closely with immigrants and young people. He was always alongside us; blessing our dreams and wiping tears, said Corza, who lives in Tustin. Monsignor Cunnane said that Bishop OConnell had a particular fondness for Guinness which he described with his typical comedic touch as being all black with a white collar a bit like a priest. We were worried because he hadnt responded, and he never missed our meetings without communicating, said Ramirez, who lives in Gardena. Though a motive has not yet determined, authorities are calling it a murder investigation. Medina, the 65-year-old husband of Bishop OConnells housekeeper, is accused of gunning down the priest on church property Saturday. I also had the opportunity to observe Bishop Dave at broader community events over the years, as he was a leader in the South Central Organizing Committee in which my then parish, Holy Faith Inglewood, was a member. Bishop David OConnell Sundays solemn liturgy featured special Irish and Celtic prayers and music. Monsignor Cunnane said that Bishop Dave was an especially loyal friend to him when he experienced sickness over the last number of years. David did soul work. When will we figure that out? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. March 3, 2023 / 12:21 PM He has been serving as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston in Massachusetts since 2016. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Tobin), Bishop David OConnell with local young adults in the San Gabriel Valley region. We were going to discuss a new project he wanted to start that would teach people to be peacemakers. The late Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles David OConnell was honored during a special bilingual prayer service led by Archbishop Jos H. Gomez at the Religious Education Congress 2023 (RECongress 2023) at the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 26. David O'Connell Many involved at the center shared fond memories of the Bishops presence at their events. L.A.'s 'peacemaker' Bishop David O'Connell dead at 69 (Victor Alemn) Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. OConnell, a native of Ireland who spent most of his four decades as a priest ministering in LAs inner city, has died. Funeral services were announced this week at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights and at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown L.A. On Thursday, March 2, there will be a public viewing from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a live-streamed vigil Mass, at the Cathedral. Auxiliary Bishop David G. OConnell, 69, was killed Saturday afternoon in the Catholic archdiocese-owned home in Hacienda Heights where he lived alone. It does not store any personal data. "He was a peacemaker with a heart for the poor and the immigrant, and he had a passion for building a community where the sanctity and dignity of every human life was honored and protected," the archbishop said. Luna said two firearms were recovered at Medina's home. But now for me and my family and for everyone who is listening here today there comes an opportunity. He was a long-lasting companion. BishopDave made young people, and all of us adults in that room felt seen, loved, and worthy of a personal relationship with Jesus. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Catholic bishops in the United States. Bishop Dave loved and served Jesus with all of his heart and all of his strength. Blessed are the Peacemakers. Local Catholics say that OConnells deep dedication to ministering to young people along with involvement in region-wide church initiatives and ministries was what made him genuine and accessible. On Saturday, Feb. 18, authorities found OConnell, 69, dead by gunshot wound at his Hacienda Heights home. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This could be groundbreaking. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. O'Connell undertook studies in canon law starting in 1997 at the Pontifical Athenaeum of the Holy Cross in Rome, completing his licentiate degree in 1999 and his doctorate in 2002. Mr OConnell thanked all those who had assisted in the police investigation following the murder of his uncle. David OConnell was predeceased by his parents, Joan and David, and his siblings Liam, Don and Geraldine. "Bishop Dave," as he was known, was episcopal vicar for the archdiocese's San Gabriel Pastoral Region since 2015, when Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop. And now Cork man that he is has left without saying goodbye. (Photo courtesy of Ian Vergara), Bishop David OConnell celebrates Mass at St. John Vianney parish in Hacienda Heights, down the street from his home. The suspect, whom officials say had previously worked at the bishops home and whose wife was the bishops housekeeper, has since been arrested. We are collecting information from our sources, if you have any problem about the item, you can tell us. The bishop sometimescelebrated open Masses, including one on Huntington Beach, with the goal of evangelizing and getting peoples attention. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. (Courtesy of Mariela Arellano), Bishop David OConnell seen at a 2019 young adult event with Michael Ramirez. Bishop David OConnell He began his day before dawn, ended it after midnight and filled almost every hour with people, all sorts of people in every state of emotion, need and grace., Archbishop of Los Angeles Jos Gmez described Bishop OConnell as a man of peace. Nicole Tobin remembers OConnells unwavering support in the official opening ofthe Newman Center, a young adult gathering space at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pasadena, in 2022. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Local News Remembering beloved LA Bishop David O'Connell By KCAL-News Staff March 3, 2023 / 12:21 PM / KCAL News A funeral for Archdiocese of Los Angeles We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He brought peace to souls.. We were worried because he hadnt responded, and he never missed our meetings without communicating, said Ramirez, who lives in Gardena. LA Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell shot and killed Feb 18, 2023. The casket of Bishop David OConnell arrives at the Funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. Fr OConnell was lauded for leadership at that time, particularly for his efforts to build trust between residents and police officers. O'Connells first tour at St. Frances X. Cabrini (1988-98). Ignatian spirituality taught me to bring my whole self to God, in joy or in pain, Barbie's memento mori teaches that reckoning with death shows us how to live, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: A divine gift of virtue, Culture warriors dominate Eucharistic Congress speaker lineup. A transcript of his last recorded homily, delivered one week before he was killed, is on the Catholic news website angelusnews.com. He was so in touch with the suffering and loneliness of our generation. [12] Since January 1, 2023, he has served as vicar general and moderator of the curia of the archdiocese.[13]. Because immediately what came into my heart, my mind, was the memory of when I used to go home to Ireland when my mother was alive, and she would be waiting there at the gate for me, he said. But at 27 shes ready for new beginnings, Three remanded in custody charged with human trafficking, Vera Pauw critical of FAI over contract delay ahead of final World Cup game, One person injured as drone attack on Moscow temporarily closes airport, How to survive the rest of the school holidays: be flexible and develop a new routine. The suspect, whom officials say had previously worked at the bishops home and whose wife was the bishops housekeeper, has since been arrested. Bishop David OConnell is seen in 2019 with young adults at a Mass celebrating the 40th anniversary of his priesthood, at St. John Vianney Church in Hacienda Heights. He pursued youth and young adults in the church with a fathers heart, a shepherds heart., Ramirez also said that the bishop who was born in County Cork, Ireland had a deep Irish humor, sometimes joking about being a wild young adult himself., Hed use humor to teach the Gospel, the message of Jesus, and share his deep devotion to Our Lady, to the Divine Mercy, he said. He knew that young people just needed to hear that we are loved by Jesus.. (Photo courtesy of Michael Ramirez), Bishop David OConnell seen in 2022 blessing The Villa, a community house for young Catholic women, in Duarte. bishop He organised retreats to help men become better parents and partners, and believed in the power of parish communities and schools to transform peoples lives. Ramirez said a meeting was scheduled for that Saturday the day the bishop was killed but he never showed. OConnell who is now an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was pastor at St. Frances Cabrini Parish when the 1992 riots took place. Mark O'Connell was born in Toronto, Ontario on June 25, 1964[1] to Thomas F. and Margaret M. (Delaney) O'Connell, both American citizens. On Saturday, February 18, a LA Priest, David OConnell, was lethally shot in a California suburb. Ramirez and other young adults said that OConnell was always involved in ministry events throughout the area; from parish retreats and Bible studies, to big public Masses and displays of faith. OConnell was named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles by Pope Francis in 2015, and was assigned to oversee the San Gabriel Valley region. Web18 Feb 2023. ), Bishop David O'Connell, of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, attends a news conference at the Fall General Assembly meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on Nov. 17, 2021, in Baltimore. [11], As auxiliary bishop, O'Connell was assigned the north region of the archdiocese as well as pastor of St. Theresa Parish in North Reading, Massachusetts until December 31, 2022. Have patience and give everyone the chance. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Medina is the husband of O'Connell's housekeeper, and he also performed handyman work at the bishop's home, authorities said. 'Gripped by grace': Thousands gather for Bishop O'Connell's Allyson Vergara is the Demographics and Equity team editor for the Southern California News Group, leading coverage of race, culture, diversity and inclusion across Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire. MicroData Summary for David Gerard OConnell. Joe and Denise Byrne, of Ireland, visit a memorial on Monday, February 20, 2023 for the Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell outside the Hacienda Heights home where he was murdered on Saturday. Whats more, Bishop Dave agreed enthusiastically to have our entire program of Latina peer counselors based at his church, so I got to interact with him a lot. I first met Bishop Dave (then Father Dave) in the mid-1990s, when he was pastor of St. Frances X. Cabrini in South Los Angeles. He loved his brothers and sisters to the end.. Bishop David O'Connell, pictured in November 2020, was pronounced dead at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday. Bishop David OConnell Learn more. With the bishops support, they started the Encounter School of Ministry, Los Angeles campusduring the pandemic. Irish-born Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, David OConnell, who was shot dead last month was so beloved in the community that his funeral remembrances took place over three days culminating in his interment in a crypt in a Cathedral on Friday. He was a progressive within the church and told the Los Angeles Times journalist Mary McNamara that women should be ordained and clergy should be able to marry. (RNS) Like many in Los Angeles, I was devastated by the news of the killing of Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell Photo: Screenshot from livecast, Dayrin Perez, Coordinator Of Youth Ministry at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, shares memories as the late Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles David OConnell was honored during a special bilingual prayer service led by Archbishop Jos H. Gomez at the Religious Education Congress 2023 (RECongress 2023) at the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 26. It is no wonder that recruitment of churches in this study has gone much faster than any of my other studies involving churches over the last three decades. Died: February 18th, 2023 Bishop David OConnell who has died, aged 69, was originally from Cork but spent his Catholic ministry in Los Angeles where he was a Photo: Screenshot from livecast, Rev Jay Cunnane of St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Long Beach shares memories, as the late Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles David OConnell was honored during a special bilingual prayer service led by Archbishop Jos H. Gomez at the Religious Education Congress 2023 (RECongress 2023) at the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 26. How one Catholic priest responded to the 92 LA riots - Angelus [Church pays tributes to murdered Cork-born Bishop David OConnell], [World Meeting of Families accused of blacklisting liberal Catholic group].
