In nostalgic moments, Catholics of my generation and older reflect on their experience of the Catholic Church while growing up. It would be no exaggeration to say that the scene looks very different now from that of the 40s, 50s and early 60s. When Catholics of my “vintage age” get together, it is not uncommon that these memories surface – good and/or bad – in conversation.
As the attention of the entire world is riveted on the unfolding military crisis in Ukraine, I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to pray fervently for peace in that region of the world and the protection of our Ukrainian sisters and brothers there. In his General Audience in Rome on Wednesday, our Holy Father spoke of “the great pain in my heart because of the worsening situation in Ukraine.”
As the attention of the entire world is riveted on the unfolding military crisis in Ukraine, I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to pray fervently for peace in that region of the world and the protection of our Ukrainian sisters and brothers there. In his General Audience in Rome on Wednesday, our Holy Father spoke of “the great pain in my heart because of the worsening situation in Ukraine.”
After a multi-year preparation effort and an 18-month intensive evaluation process, 31 elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton have been re-accredited through Cognia, an international firm that evaluates and issues findings on all manner of education outlets.
The 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal themed “What does love have to do with it … everything!” will be launched in most parishes of the Diocese Feb. 19-20. In his video message introducing the Appeal, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., describes the theme as “compelling,” in light of the Gospel and Jesus’ mandate to love one another. Bishop O’Connell observes, “As we look around at today’s many challenges, it is obvious that we need more of God’s love, more than ever, as we ‘journey together.’
With the Christmas Season behind us, Catholics enter into a period referred to as “Ordinary Time” in the Church’s liturgy. In our vernacular usage, the word "ordinary" describes what is commonplace, "everyday" or without uniqueness or special distinction.
In celebration of National Marriage Week and World Marriage Day, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reflected on the marital call to the joy of love. In his reflection, Bishop O’Connell recalls celebrating the annual Bishop’s Anniversary Blessing. He remembers from his homily, “You have chosen to be married in the sight of a generous God who so loved the world that he gave himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ.
A memo from the Diocese’s Catholic schools superintendent, Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, was sent Feb. 10 to all Catholic school administrators in the Diocese of Trenton.
by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., for the World Day of the Sick
Sickness is always an unwelcome guest in the “home” of our bodies. Whether its visit is brief or long, expected or unanticipated, recognized or subtle, sickness’ knock on the door is one that no one wants to answer. Try as one may to keep it out, sickness eventually finds its way in and --- like an obnoxious houseguest --- takes over every room, leaving its hosts to wonder if it will ever leave. The analogy here, although not very poetic, makes the point for which it is intended.
by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., for National Marriage Week and the World Day of Marriage
This year, the Church in our country and in our own Diocese celebrates “National Marriage Week” (Feb. 7-14) and “World Marriage Day” (Feb. 13) in tribute to husbands and wives as the foundation of the family, the basic unit of society. When we think of marriage, words like love, faithfulness, trust, sacrifice, forgiveness and perseverance and many other values come to mind. For us in the Church, the idea of Sacrament and covenant embraces all those expressions as we consider the loving and graced relationship of one man and one woman in a union that is faithful, fruitful and forever. No other partnership equals this blessed gift of our Creator, present from the beginning of the world.
After Christmas this year, I was able to take a few retreat days for some prayer, spiritual reading and reflection. One of my traditions on retreats is to re-read the Gospels. Each of the four sacred texts has a unique character and tone, some passages complimentary while others seem to relate similar accounts in different ways.
by Obispo David M. O'Connell, C.M.; Mensaje para la Jornada Mundial de Oración por la Vida Consagrada
Después de la Navidad este año, pude tomar unos días de retiro para orar, leer textos espirituales y reflexionar. Una de mis tradiciones cuando estoy de retiro es releer los Evangelios. Cada uno de los cuatro textos sagrados tiene una personalidad y un tono distinto, algunos pasajes son complementarios y otros relatan historias semejantes de maneras diferentes.
by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., for World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
After Christmas this year, I was able to take a few retreat days for some prayer, spiritual reading and reflection. One of my traditions on retreats is to re-read the Gospels. Each of the four sacred texts has a unique character and tone, some passages complimentary while others seem to relate similar accounts in different ways. I don’t consider myself a “Scripture scholar,” but I have read and studied the Gospels and commentaries about them many, many times throughout my 40 years as a priest. The “story” they tell never gets old for me. In fact, each time I read them, something stands out that I may not have previously paid much attention to or noticed.