Los Angeles auxiliary bishop murderedThe ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, who was accompanied by Cardinals Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago and Robert McElroy, Bishop of San Diego, California, as well as 34 bishops and 50 priests. This Mass was the conclusion of the funeral rites that began on Wednesday, March 1, at St. John Mary Vianney Church, located in the San Gabriel pastoral region, where Bishop O'Connell served as Episcopal Vicar.
"He embodied the image of Jesus, the Good Shepherd."
Bishop David O'Connell was one of the most beloved bishops of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, proof of this were the thousands of people and parishioners who attended the funeral rites over 3 days, including civil authorities, leaders of various Christian denominations and representatives of various religions. Bishop O'Connell embodied the image of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as Cardinal Mahony pointed out during his homily at the vigil Mass on Thursday night.
"Bishop David understood the primacy of baptism and the mission it demands for all God's people. This is why Bishop David would call, empower and send out on mission the people or groups he worked with. O'Connell would not leave a meeting without assigning or reminding someone of their mission." His charisma and wisdom came from the Holy Spirit, the cardinal said.
"The mission we now have is that we go to that special place in our hearts, as David taught us, [to hear] the voice of the Holy Spirit. Come Lord Jesus. Come Holy Spirit," Mahony concluded in tears.
"He never asked for anything in return."
During the funeral eulogy at Friday's funeral Mass one of the slain bishop's nephews, who came from Ireland for the ceremony, noted, "Uncle Dave was an inspiration. He taught us that if you have the ability to help someone, you should do it. All he wanted, was to make things simpler for others. And he never asked for anything in return."
One of the lesser-known aspects is that the bishop wanted to be a comedian, and once tried, "but fortunately he had another job, where he was apparently doing better," noted the bishop's nephew, also named David O'Connell.
The moments of sadness and hope were also visible in Bishop José Gómez, whose voice broke at several moments during the ceremonies, especially when he recounted his anecdotes with O'Connell, whom he considered a great friend.
A ministry marked by concern for the poor
Grief gave way to consolation when Gomez read the telegram sent on behalf of Pope Francis and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin: "Deeply saddened to learn of the untimely and tragic death of Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell, His Holiness sends his heartfelt condolences and assures his spiritual closeness to the family, parishioners, religious and clergy of the Archdiocese. The bishop's priestly and episcopal ministry in the Church of Los Angeles was marked by his deep concern for the poor, immigrants and those in need. They also highlighted his efforts to defend the sanctity and dignity of life and his zeal to promote solidarity, cooperation and peace in the local community. His Holiness prays that all who honor his memory will reject the ways of violence and overcome evil with good".
Although the causes of the murder are under investigation, local authorities indicated that the crime was a homicide perpetrated by the husband of the bishop's domestic worker.
At the end of the funeral Mass, Bishop O'Connell's body was buried in the mausoleum of the Los Angeles Cathedral.
Bishop David O'Connell was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1953. He was ordained to the priesthood and incardinated in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California in 1979.
Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop in 2015 and he was assigned as episcopal vicar of the San Gabriel region, one of the five regions of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
