Bishop extends pilgrimage invitation; Re-released documentary marks Sandy anniversary

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., is joyfully anticipating the upcoming diocesan pilgrimage Nov. 4 to the  Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
 
His enthusiasm was evident when the  Bishop recently recorded a video message in which he extends a personal invitation to the faithful of the Diocese, asking them to take part in the daylong celebration. It will be the fourth pilgrimage that Bishop O’Connell has led since first coming to the Diocese in 2010.
 
More than 20 parishes from across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties are sponsoring buses, and pilgrims are asked to contact nearby parishes for information on availability, cost and travel schedule.  A list of parishes sponsoring buses can be found, here. 

Bishop O’Connell will lead the pilgrimage, which will feature Mass celebrated by the Bishop and dozens of priests from the Diocese, special activities for children,  lighting of the Guadalupe torches, opportunities for pilgrims to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and more.  A full schedule of pilgrimage events can be found, here.  
   
Five years ago, Superstorm Sandy, the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, slammed into New Jersey, flooding streets, destroying homes and knocking out power to many in the Diocese of Trenton’s four counties.
 
“Voices from the Storm,” a 14-minute documentary produced in 2013 by the diocesan department of multimedia production, chronicles the long, difficult process of healing and rebuilding after the hurricane – a process in which some in our communities are still involved.
 
It is being re-released now, by the Office of Communications/Department of Multimedia Production to mark the fifth anniversary of the storm, while also serving as a message of solidarity with the millions of people dealing with the devastating aftermath of the 2017 hurricane season.
 
You can watch the full mini documentary, here.