"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. David The younger OConnell described how his uncle ended every phone call by telling his nephew how proud of him he was. We are heartbroken. Norma Seni Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, called O'Connell "truly a man of God" in a tweet. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. 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. Those numbers alone testify to the legacy of a religious leader who was a friend to all who was a good man whose life was well-lived. The tragedy cut deep. He just lifted everybody up.. He was the loving husband to Lynnette (Strople) O'Connell with whom he shared 21 years of marriage. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Obituary. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. Area Catholics look ahead to funeral services for Bishop David OConnell Next week a series of services will begin with a memorial Mass at St. John Vianney in Hacienda The community mourns the loss of Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell, who was found shot dead in Hacienda Heights. The younger OConnell, as if speaking to the heavens, told his uncle he and everyone who knew the bishop was proud of him. 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, soon after receiving word of his death. Funeral services will take place over a three-day period, beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday with a memorial Mass at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights. The Sheriffs department has not offered further details on the circumstances of his death, which is under investigation. He was charged Wednesday with murder, and District Attorney George Gascn said at a news conference that Medina had confessed to the crime, although a motive remains unknown. 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. "And it's been a great privilege, a great blessing to be given these parishes all these years, to be pastor all these years. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Bishop OConnell once said that being a pastor was the greatest joy of his life. 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.. Obituary 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. At the news conference, Jos H. Gomez, the archbishop of Los Angeles, thanked the authorities for taking a suspect into custody. He was fatally shot in his home on Saturday. He praised Bishop OConnell as a good friend of Los Angeles who had served the city for more than 40 years. DAVID O'CONNELL OBITUARY. He is survived by his brother Kieran and extended family. Carlos Medina, the husband of O'Connell's housekeeper has been arrested for his murder. One day earlier, Gomez said O'Connell had "passed away unexpectedly," but gave no additional details. 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, The riots broke out during Father OConnells first tour at St. Frances X. Cabrini Church (1988-1998). David O'Connell Obituary He offered his condolences to the family of the late Bishop. (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. (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. But now the Cork man that he is has left without saying goodbye. OConnell was fatally shot at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. Los Angeles county has the highest poverty rate in California and his work focused on helping marginalised people in communities affected by gang violence, drugs and poverty. Pope Francis named O'Connell an auxiliary bishop in 2015. Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2015. Carlos Medina has admitted to murdering the bishop, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascn said in a press conference Wednesday. David M. O'Connell, loving husband and father, passed away on December 12, 2018 after a brief illness. He was loved. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. Medina is the husband of O'Connell's housekeeper, and he also performed handyman work at the bishop's home, authorities said. I am here. He went to Glounthaune National School and continued to Farranferris College in Cork city. Catholics say final farewell to their friend, Bishop David People approached, some wiping away tears and others saying brief prayers before moving along. 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. 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. 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. Bishop Dave loved and served Jesus with all of his heart and all of his strength. He helped restore trust between residents and law enforcement by organizing meetings with police officers in peoples homes and providing opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation in the aftermath of the 1992 LA riots. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. A transcript of his last recorded homily, delivered one week before he was killed, is on the Catholic news website angelusnews.com. That inspired him to organize. He said a Cork man might leave without saying goodbye but a Sligo man might say goodbye but he wouldnt leave.. He began his day before dawn, ended it after midnight and filled almost every hour with people, all sorts of people in every state of emotion, need and grace., Archbishop of Los Angeles Jos Gmez described Bishop OConnell as a man of peace. In his role as episcopal vicar for the archdioceses San Gabriel Pastoral Region, it fell to OConnell to accompany the parish community of Mission San Gabriel, the oldest Catholic outpost in the archdiocese, when it was almost completely destroyed in an arson attack in July 2020. The casket of Bishop David O'Connell is brought into the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for his funeral Mass Friday, March 3, 2023. Out of his love for God, he served this city for more than 40 years as an immigrant from Ireland, he said. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), In our mission as Catholics is to be Christ-like to embody the image of our Lord and to do all the good work that (OConnell) did and thats someone in our lifetime that we witnessed do that, Reyes said. Thousands gather at LA cathedral to mourn, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Thousands gather at LA cathedral to mourn Bishop David OConnell on Day 2 of trio of funeral services, Catholics say final farewell to their friend, Bishop David OConnell, Bishop Dave remembered for his special love for the poor, as LA County Catholics begin three days of goodbyes, OCs Saddleback Church doubles down on support for female pastors, Catholics mourn, remember Bishop David OConnell at annual education conference, Religion events in the San Fernando Valley area, Feb. 25-March 4, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies at 61, 7 house fires prompt fears about gas meters buried in snow. Mr OConnell thanked all those who had assisted in the police investigation following the murder of his uncle. It was the second day of a trio of memorial services dedicated to the beloved San Gabriel Valley bishop, who was found shot to death Feb. 18 in his Hacienda Heights home. 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 funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. March 3, also at the cathedral. The firearms will need to be tested to determine whether either one was used in the fatal shooting, Sheriff Luna said. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Bishop David OConnells Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023. That was part of our work as a Church, to try to provide spaces for conversations, he told CNA in a 2020 interview. Los Angeles Bishop David O'Connell is found dead from a gunshot LA Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell dies unexpectedly at 69 David always said that there was a big difference between a Sligo man and a Cork man. In contrast to recent days, often taken up with spoken words at prayers services and masses that mourned the pastor, the viewing was a quiet event, focused on the singular image of the bishops casket amid the vast open interior space of the Cathedral. He brought peace to souls.. Deputies found the bishop in bed with at least one gunshot wound to the upper body, Sheriff Luna said. in journalism from the University of Southern California. 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. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. But I didnt. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Archbishop Jose Gomez 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. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. He thanked the Bishops brother, Kieran, his sister-in-law Paula, his nieces and nephews Ciara, Orla, David, Aoisha, Chloe and Brian for giving Los Angeles the blessing of having David OConnell among them rather than residing in his native Cork. Utah Obituaries - Latest Obituaries in Pleasant Grove Utah His work as a community leader came to the fore again during the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020 when he carried the Blessed Sacrament to a high summit in the San Gabriel valley to pray for the community below. He and other local faith leaders helped organize meetings with police officers in peoples homes and provide opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation. 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.". Ron DeSantis to visit Orange County for GOP fundraiser, David O'Connell: Mass held for slain LA bishop, The Issue Is: NSC's John Kirby talks Ukraine, China and his own military service, Families asked to clear gas lines amid leaks happening across San Bernardino County homes, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, 'We need help': Stranded Lake Arrowhead residents plead for assistance amid food and medication shortages. In a Wednesday press conference, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascn said that Carlos Medina of Torrance, the suspect in custody, has admitted to murdering the bishop. The Sheriffs department has not offered further details on the circumstances of his death, which is under investigation. Visitation Have patience and give everyone the chance. The Los Angeles Times described him as one of the regions most beloved clerics. It was solemn yet emotionally riotous. 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. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. He studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College in Dublin and was ordained in 1979, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. He was also the chairman of the interdiocesan Southern California Immigration Task Force which helped coordinate the churchs response to immigrant children and families from Central America in recent years. 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Carlos Medina, 61, was arrested around 8:15 a.m. Monday following an hours-long standoff at his home in the 2400 block of Kenwood Avenue in Torrance. Joe holds a bachelors degree in Political Science from The Catholic University of America. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. 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. Someone what was caring, forgiving, and merciful with the community and people.. The authorities surrounded Mr. Medinas home at about 2 a.m. and called on him to surrender, but he refused, Sheriff Luna said. You will always be kept in our minds and in our hearts, he added, as you kept us in yours.. He also appealed to mourners to continue the work of his beloved uncle. He spoke of always seeing his friend approaching him in the parking lot with his dog leash in one hand and his Padre Pio rosary in the other. OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. Bishop OConnell funeral: Nearly 5,000 pack cathedral to honor his (Victor Alemn). Respect each other. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. David was a friend of souls, Cunnane told the congregation during the homily. 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. 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. 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? We all love you so much, David OConnell, the bishops nephew, said during his eulogy. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Archbishop Jos Gomez holds 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. Joseph Bukuras is a staff writer at the Catholic News Agency. As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. "It is a shock and I have no words to express my sadness," Gomez said. Even then, he had such a strong sense of fairness about him and a compassion for vulnerable people, he said. And yet I feel in all the outpouring of love and esteem and all of the inspiration and all the testimonies this week I feel a presence.. Born: July 16th, 1953 Died: February 18th, 2023 Bishop David OConnell who has died, aged 69, was originally from Cork but spent his Catholic ministry in Los Angeles Obituary (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. 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? The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced on Sunday that Los Angeles Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell was killed and said it was working to find "those responsible" for his death. Fr OConnell was lauded for leadership at that time, particularly for his efforts to build trust between residents and police officers. He was the one we went to for advice and support. OConnell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. Theres a young lady that I still keep in touch with she has asylum now, shes getting straight As in school, and her sister is in the Navy.. Beverly - David R. O'Connell, 58, of Beverly, died on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Beverly Hospital. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Priests walk 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. OConnell The Wednesday and Thursday night Masses also included a message from Pope Francis, who wrote of how deeply saddened he was on OConnells death, but praised OConnells 45 years of ministry as being marked especially by his profound concern for the poor, immigrants, and those in need, his efforts to uphold the sanctity and dignity of Gods gift of life, and his zeal for fostering solidarity, cooperation, and peace within the local community.. OConnell was shot and killed at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. He healed souls. Today at 11am local time the Cathedral, which holds three thousand people, was full for his requiem Mass. In 2015, Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop for the archdiocese. Its currently unclear what the motive for the killing was. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Archbishop Jose Gomez places a bible on the casket of Bishop David OConnell at Funeral Mass held 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), People attend 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. Many young immigrants, Hamilton added, likely would not have been granted asylum without OConnells work. He had previously served as a pastor at several parishes in Los Angeles, including St. Michaels and St. Frances X. Cabrini. pulling into the bishops driveway and then leaving a short time later, the sheriff said. David OConnell, an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, leading a memorial service in 2020. 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. (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. But grateful to God for having had all those years a good friend to walk the road with, he said. Beverly - David R. O'Connell, 58, of Beverly, died on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Beverly Hospital. Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new details as they become available. (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.