(Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), The Funeral Mass begins for Bishop David OConnell at Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. Over the years, O'Connell was a pastor at a number of parishes in Los Angeles and several nearby communities. And its been a great privilege, a great blessing to be given these parishes all these years, to be pastor all these years. He is survived by his brother Kieran and extended family. 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. "And it's been a great privilege, a great blessing to be given these parishes all these years, to be pastor all these years. This is Pope Francis prayer intention for the month of March, God really intervened: How a Catholic priest escaped from his kidnappers in Haiti, Decline in vocations to the priesthood is worse where priests serve larger flocks, report says, Suspect confesses to the murder of Bishop David OConnell, LA prosecutor says, Catholics, are you going to confession? Friendship was something he was good at. It is a shock and I have no words to express my sadness.. A mass for the late Bishop David OConnell is held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. You are a good man, Man you are on fire, to quote just a few.. He was ordained in June 1979 and returned to Glounthaune to say his first Mass in the Sacred Heart Church where he had been baptised almost 26 years earlier. A priest kisses Bishop David OConnell during a public viewing at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023. Someone what was caring, forgiving, and merciful with the community and people.. Archbishop Jose H Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles celebrated the Mass. in Hacienda Heights, at 7 p.m. PST. 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 honoured and protected., Politics professor and author Peter Dreier said the bishop was a progressive community organiser who used his charm to get powerful people to listen and help. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. David O'Connell Obituary The authorities arrested a man on Monday in connection with the killing of David G. OConnell, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles who was found fatally shot at his home on Saturday, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said. Bishop Dave loved and served Jesus with all of his heart and all of his strength. The wound wont be easily healed. He is based out of the Boston area. On Sunday morning, detectives found surveillance footage that shows a dark-colored S.U.V. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. A Magdalene laundry and its clients: Holles Street, Fitzwilliam Tennis Club, Captain Americas, Conor OBrien inexplicably and shockingly shot dead by Earl McKevitt over pizza delivery error, Before I would have held my husbands hand walking around the streets. Obituary He was the loving husband to Lynnette (Strople) O'Connell with (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former LA mayor Eric Garcetti attends the Funeral Mass for Bishop David OConnell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. But now I wouldnt, A sad day for republicans: Sinn Fin activist Rita OHare dies aged 80, Ukraine under increased pressure as Russian onslaught in Bakhmut continues, Who to fire? Obituary. ". The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. 2023 FOX Television Stations, LA bishop shot to death in Hacienda Heights was murdered: LASD, Suspect arrested in LA bishop's murder claimed he was owed money: LASD, Suspect accused of killing LA Bishop charged with murder, OC high school teacher arrested on allegations of recording students in all-gender restroom, FOX 11's Marla Tellez chased, nearly attacked in broad daylight; How to keep yourself safe, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Hong Kong model's ex-husband, family, arrested after body found dismembered, In-N-Out has 2nd-healthiest fast-food cheeseburger in America, study says, Police Chase: Gunman waits for kids to cross street near Lakewood; Opens fire at several different locations, Florida Gov. O'Connell was a native of Ireland and had been a priest and later a bishop in Los Angeles for 45 years. Smiles and tears abounded on Friday as Los Angeles Countys Catholic faithful gathered for a moment of mournful reverence for OConnell, the auxiliary bishop for the LA archdiocese and the Roman Catholic Churchs spiritual leader for the San Gabriel Valley. A vigil Mass was held Thursday for Auxiliary Bishop David G. OConnell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. Beverly - David R. O'Connell, 58, of Beverly, died on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Beverly Hospital. Im not standing here in front of you telling you its a dispute over money yet, Sheriff Luna said. A view of the nave of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels where the funeral Mass for Bishop David O'Connell will be celebrated | David Leigh Ellis|Wikipedia|CC BY-SA 3.0, Bishop Paprocki, Archbishop Naumann speak out in support of Traditional Latin Mass goers in their dioceses. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), People receive communion during a Vigil Mass for Bishop David OConnell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023. Earlier Pope Francis sent a message paying tribute to Bishop OConnells years of devoted priestly and episcopal ministry to the Church in Los Angeles. We need to rebuild the fabric of our relationships so we can be a hopeful world.. WebOBITUARY NOTIFICATIONS. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG). He felt that it was his lifes mission to work with the disadvantaged poor in the wealthiest region of the US. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Clergy from throughout the Catholic Church attend the Funeral Mass for Bishop David OConnell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. Luna said two firearms were recovered at Medina's home, and they were being tested to determine if either weapon was involved in the Saturday shooting. Julio Cortez/AP The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. Man Arrested in Killing of Auxiliary Bishop Had Worked at His House, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/19/us/bishop-david-oconnell-shot-hacienda-heights.html. But above all, the bishops funeral Mass attended by thousands on Friday morning, March 3, with an untold number watching via livestream reflected the spirit of a man who saw reverence in the prosaic. Hundreds of parishioners, members of the clergy from around the L.A. area, and OConnells family packed inside the church on Wednesday night, March 1, to reflect on the priests story. The Ballingeary native was at home on holidays in Cork at the time. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. David always said that there was a big difference between a Sligo man and a Cork man. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. During that time, OConnell ministered to a community afflicted by gang violence and poverty. He became a priest there in 1953. Born in Springfield on February 20, 1935, he was a son of the late Thomas and Mary (Lacey) OConnell. He held a rosary. The bishop's body was discovered when a deacon went to the home to check on him, because O'Connell was apparently late for a meeting, Sheriff Robert Luna said earlier this week. OConnell was dressed in a white alb robe with the Virgin de Guadalupe in color on the front. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Clergy arrive at the Funeral Mass for Bishop David OConnell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O'Connell, who had been a priest and then a bishop during his 45 years with the church, was found dead in a home Sunday in the unincorporated neighborhood of I am very sad this afternoon to report that our beloved Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell has passed away unexpectedly, said Archbishop Jos H. Gomez of Los Angeles in a statement Feb. 18 soon after receiving word of his death. Always. Those who knew him testify that he seemed most at ease with the working people he spent all those years with in South LA. He helped so many, many unaccompanied minors and families with immigration, Jeff Hamilton, also a member of that task force, said in an interview after the service. OConnells ministry will be forever memorialized by the people he helped and the support be it assistance with an asylum application, or merely a friendly smile. And he was faithful to me all the time I was in the hospital every day. It brought a lot of peace to come today and say goodbye, she said. OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. that matched that description, Sheriff Luna said. He was the loving husband to Lynnette (Strople) O'Connell with whom he shared 21 years of marriage. He was a friend of souls. Carlos Medina, husband of his housekeeper, has been charged with his murder. Apart from aiding neighborhood recovery efforts, OConnell pushed to restore trust between the inner-city residents and law enforcement. David served in the US Army as Private First Class during the Korean War and worked for BASF Leave a sympathy message to the family in (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), 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. Medina is the husband of O'Connell's housekeeper, and he also performed handyman work at the bishop's home, authorities said. Catholics say final farewell to their friend, Bishop David How the biggest companies plan mass layoffs, Greece train crash: Rescuers to wrap up search operation, Thinking Anew Speaking the language of compassion. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. Investigators later learned that Mr. Medina drove an S.U.V. David R. O'Connell, 58, of Beverly died on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Beverly Hospital. Why are womens bodies under attack from autoimmune diseases? LOS ANGELES - Funeral services were announced Thursday for Los Angeles Catholic Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell, who was gunned down at his home in Hacienda Prior to joining the Press-Telegram, she served as the Daily Breeze's lead city hall reporter. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. Bishop OConnell once said that being a pastor was the greatest joy of his life. The church pews filled an hour before the Mass. A daily email newsletter to help you better understand the Church and the world. Those emotions were on display once again on Thursday, as Cardinal Roger Mahony wept as he embraced OConnells casket in prayer as he ended his homily. . OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. David OConnell, an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, leading a memorial service in 2020. Gartland said that she was impressed by how well organized the viewing was, allowing everyone to go up to see OConnell and say goodbye. In 2018, he spoke about the need to recognise that there were all sorts of configurations of families, including single parents, gay couples and people in second marriages. People approached, some wiping away tears and others saying brief prayers before moving along. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. The people have touched my heart the way they are sincere.. OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. The viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. A vigil Mass will be held following the public viewing at 7 p.m. and will be livestreamed both here and here. Ramon Reyes, from Incarnation Catholic Church in Glendale, echoed another theme through the week that OConnell was a model of service for a generation. Bishop David OConnell was at ease in the corridors of Photograph: Getty Images. 'Gripped by grace': Thousands gather for Bishop O'Connell's in journalism from the University of Southern California. Anyone can read what you share. A Sligoman would say goodbye but wouldnt leave. (Photo by Dean Musgrove), Flowers at the entrance for the viewing for Bishop David OConnell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, in Downtown Los Angeles, March 2, 2023. John Meyer flew in from Rome to celebrate the OConnells. David OConnell, nephew of Bishop David OConnell, speaks at the Funeral Mass for his uncle at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Archbishop Gomez walks to the altar for Bishop David OConnells Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023. hide caption, Bishop David O'Connell, seen above at a meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2021, is being remembered as a peacemaker and "truly a man of God.". David Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell, a native of Ireland who spent most of his four decades as a priest ministering in L.A.'s inner city, was found dead of a gunshot wound Feb. 18. When you have found an obituary of interest, you have the option of upgrading that obituary with more recent and relevant content unless the obituary is already (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Archbishop Jose Gomez prepares the casket of Bishop David OConnell at the Funeral Mass held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. He came home days later to find widespread destruction in much of his parishs territory. Hutchings holds a B.A. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The Mass will be livestreamed here. In it, he talks about his emotional visit to Lourdes, where he felt the presence of Our Lady. After ordination, he served as associate pastor in several parishes and as pastor at St. Frances X. Cabrini Church, Ascension Church, St. Eugene Church, and St. Michael Church all in South LA. ", Immigration attorney Linda Dakin-Grimm said O'Connell was "there for every child and family I have represented. He has interned in the U.S. House of Representatives, on a U.S. Senate campaign, in the Massachusetts State House of Representatives, and at the Susan B. Anthony List. At ease in the corridors of power and with the powerless. Born December 17, 1947 in Allegan, Michigan, he was the son of the late James Joseph and Amelia (Hinkle) OConnell and the husband of his only true love, Donna Jean (Stratton) OConnell. We are heartbroken. The tragedy cut deep. The danger is when we accept that as normal, said OConnell in an interview before being honored for his service to the community and the Church in LA with the Evangelii Gaudium Award from St. Johns Seminary in Camarillo last year. We are all heartbroken. O'Connell was found shot just before 1 p.m. Saturday at his home in the 1500 block of Janlu Avenue, near Turnbull Canyon Road. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), David OConnell, nephew of Bishop David OConnell, speaks at the Funeral Mass for his uncle at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. An estimated 5,000 people, from elected officials to clergy from around the world, converged on the countys spiritual center of Catholicism. A police chase is underway involving a possible shooting suspect. about violence in urban America when the riots started. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), A Vigil Mass for Bishop David OConnell is held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023. 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. The Bishop introduced his nieces and nephews to all LA had to offer when they were young including Disneyland, Universal Studios and their favourite breakfast eatery, Dennys. Southern California Immigration Task Force. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has announced the funeral arrangements for the late Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell, who was murdered in his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. DAVID O'CONNELL Obituary Bishop David O'Connell, auxiliary bishop for the San Gabriel Pastoral Region, visits the damaged San Gabriel Mission church the afternoon of Saturday, July 11, 2020. DAVID O'CONNELL OBITUARY. But eventually, the sun broke the gloom. Obituary of David O'Connell, 64. I am here. David O'Connell passed away in Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania. Carlos Medina, the husband of O'Connell's housekeeper has been arrested for his murder. OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. Apart from aiding neighborhood recovery efforts, OConnell pushed to restore trust between the inner-city residents and law enforcement. Bishop Dave, as he was known, was episcopal vicar for the archdioceses San Gabriel Pastoral Region since 2015, when Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop. He said that Mr. Medina had not been formally charged and that investigators were continuing to examine evidence, including two firearms seized from Mr. Medinas home, where he was arrested after a standoff. 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. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. [Church pays tributes to murdered Cork-born Bishop David OConnell], [World Meeting of Families accused of blacklisting liberal Catholic group]. Deputies found the bishop in bed with at least one gunshot wound to the upper body, Sheriff Luna said. Thousands gather at LA cathedral to mourn Bishop David The murder charge against Medina includes an allegation of the personal use of a firearm, meaning he faces up to 35 years to life in state prison if he is convicted as charged. And its been a great privilege, a great blessing to be given these parishes all these years, to be pastor all these years. How the biggest companies plan mass layoffs, Greece train crash: Rescuers to wrap up search operation, Thinking Anew Speaking the language of compassion. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Seminarian Vincent DeVetis, 20, carries the cross for during Bishop David OConnells Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023. He is survived by : his siblings, David Ball (Cody) and Susan Ridd; his sister-in-law Lola Ball; and his step-son Ian. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. He came home days later to find widespread destruction in much of his parishs territory. The Sheriffs department has not offered further details on the circumstances of his death, which is under investigation. In a statement following O'Connell's death, Archbishop Jos H. Gomez described the 69-year-old O'Connell as a "peacemaker with a heart for the poor and the immigrant.". Joe holds a bachelors degree in Political Science from The Catholic University of America. OConnell, who was known as Bishop Dave, served the San Gabriel Pastoral Region of the archdiocese, which covers East Los Angeles through the San Gabriel and We all love you so much, David OConnell, the bishops nephew, said during his eulogy. OConnell (Photo by Dean Musgrove), The entrance for the viewing for Bishop David OConnell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, in Downtown Los Angeles, March 2, 2023. (Photo by Dean Musgrove). Today at 11am local time the Cathedral, which holds three thousand people, was full for his requiem Mass. Born in County Cork, Ireland in 1953, OConnell studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College in Dublin and was ordained to serve in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1979. He was a father figure for a lot of us, he said. It was solemn yet emotionally riotous. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Members of Bishop David OConnell move his casket through Our Lady of the Angels cathedral at the end of his Vigil Mass in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023. OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a statement that Bishop OConnell was an active member of our Conference and a champion for the poor and marginalized who had previously led its antipoverty initiative. But I didnt. There, OConnell ministered to a community afflicted by gang violence, poverty, broken families, as well as tensions between locals and members of the Los Angeles Police Department and the LA Sheriffs Department. The Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross Dr Fintan Gavin, said Bishop OConnells tragic death had sent shockwaves across the diocese. pulling into the bishops driveway and then leaving a short time later, the sheriff said. He healed souls. He wrote on mens hearts and in the minds of young children sublime words words of forgiveness, words of healing, with simple words like, Jesus, I trust in you., But more than anything else and thats the source of all that friendship we should say was a friend of Jesus Christ and Mary, our blessed mother.. 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David OConnell, the Bishops nephew, expressed the same reverence for his uncle. It was standing-room only in the cavernous Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where the funeral Mass for Bishop David G. OConnell was held Friday morning. Pablo Kay is the Editor-in-Chief of Angelus. I regard it as a great blessing in my life to have had the opportunity to serve here. As a former Catholic who had stopped going to Mass because of the sex abuse scandals, she approached the job with scepticism, but his energy and dedication to his community won her over. Mr OConnell thanked all those who had assisted in the police investigation following the murder of his uncle. "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 added.