On Dec. 31, 2022, as the world learned of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., of the Diocese of Trenton released a personal reflection about the pontiff who named him a bishop in 2010 and who had visited The Catholic University of America in Washington during then-Father O’Connell’s tenure as president.
As the world learned of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., released a personal reflection about the pontiff who named him a bishop in 2010 and who had visited The Catholic University of America in Washington during then-Father O’Connell’s tenure as president. Bishop O’Connell also has announced that there will be a Memorial Mass for the late pope this Thursday, Jan. 5, at noon in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold. This will allow an opportunity for the clergy, consecrated religious and faithful in attendance to pray together as a diocesan family and still return home to watch the televised funeral Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica. For those who cannot attend the diocesan Mass, it will also be livestreamed at youtube.com/trentondiocese.
As the world learned of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., released a personal reflection about the pontiff who named him a bishop in 2010 and who had visited The Catholic University of America in Washington during then-Father O’Connell’s tenure as president. Bishop O’Connell has announced that there will be a Memorial Mass for the late pope this Thursday, Jan. 5, at noon in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold. This will allow an opportunity for the clergy, consecrated religious and faithful in attendance to pray together as a diocesan family. For those who cannot attend the diocesan Mass, it will also be livestreamed at youtube.com/trentondiocese.
BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., HAS SHARED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FOR THE NEW YEAR: The year was 1859. The place was 19th century Europe. The novelist was Charles Dickens (1812-1870). The novel was “A Tale of Two Cities.” In what is widely regarded as one of his – if not his best-known quotes – Dickens began his reflections on the historical experience of the French Revolution (1789-1799) with a series of contradictions:
The year was 1859. The place was 19th century Europe. The novelist was Charles Dickens (1812-1870). The novel was “A Tale of Two Cities.” In what is widely regarded as one of his – if not his best-known quotes – Dickens began his reflections on the historical experience of the French Revolution (1789-1799) with a series of contradictions:
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued the following statement in regard to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: His Holiness Pope Francis has requested prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who, at age 95, is “very sick” and in declining health due to “advanced age.” I ask the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to join me in praying for Pope Benedict in these days.
BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., HAS SHARED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FOR CHRISTMAS. Things change. Not always recognizably so but, often enough, change is noticeable. I was struck by that fact last week, while looking at some pictures and home movies of Christmas celebrations taken many years ago. Apart from the obvious changes in size and shape, clothing, hairstyles and ages of the celebrants, the decorations and ornaments heralding the season seemed different, simpler, unlike what we have today.
Things change. Not always recognizably so but, often enough, change is noticeable. I was struck by that fact last week, while looking at some pictures and home movies of Christmas celebrations taken many years ago. Apart from the obvious changes in size and shape, clothing, hairstyles and ages of the celebrants, the decorations and ornaments heralding the season seemed different, simpler, unlike what we have today.
Nearly 150 years ago, a group of Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia were given $40 to start a school in the City of Trenton. But through their work and with the advisement of others, the Sisters realized they the city had a far greater need to address – healthcare. The Sisters’ efforts resulted in the establishment of the city’s first hospital in 1874 – later known as St. Francis Medical Center – which has stood ever since as a beacon of hope and healing as it served the health care needs of the city and surrounding county’s diverse population.
BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., HAS SHARED THIS MESSAGE FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: As a boy in Catholic school, the solemn feast of the Immaculate Conception – a holy day of obligation –was not only a “day off” from school but also a reminder that Christmas was not far away. I doubt that I ever thought more deeply about the meaning of the feast at that time, but I knew it was important and I always looked forward to it. I still do, but for a few more profound reasons that I suggest are worth our consideration as Catholics throughout the world celebrate this holy day of obligation.
RECOGNIZING THE INCOMPARABLE GIFT of religious sisters, brothers and priests in the lives of faithful Catholics, the Retirement Fund for Religious supports these retired ministers in the Diocese of Trenton and across the country – a crucial financial assistance that helps them meet their basic needs in their waning years.
TODAY, WE CELEBRATE BISHOP O’CONNELL’S succession as the 10th Bishop of Trenton. Students from St. Paul School, Princeton, offered their congratulations and best wishes to our shepherd in this video! Watch the video HERE.