Below is a statement from Bishop Jaime Soto on the passing of Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell of Los Angeles.
"With the untimely death of Bishop David O’Connell, my brother bishops and I have lost a dear friend and companion. His Irish wit and fervent gospel convictions always filled a room with spirit. Please join me in asking the Lord Jesus to grant eternal rest to this coworker of the vineyard. May the Lord of all tender mercy console his family in Ireland as well as Archbishop José Gomez, the clergy and faithful of the Los Angeles Archdiocese where Bishop O’Connell had served his whole life."
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Statement on Los Angeles Sheriff’s Determination that the Death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell was a Homicide
Most Reverend José H. Gomez
Archbishop of Los Angeles
February 19, 2023
We learned early this morning from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s office that they have determined that the death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell yesterday was a homicide. We are deeply disturbed and saddened by this news.
Let us continue to pray for Bishop Dave and his family. And let us pray for law enforcement officials as they continue their investigation into this terrible crime.
We ask Our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede and be a mother for all of us in this moment of sadness and pain.
Statement from Archbishop José H. Gomez on the death of Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell
February 18, 2023
I am very sad this afternoon to report that our beloved Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell has passed away unexpectedly. It is a shock and I have no words to express my sadness.
As a priest and later a bishop here in Los Angeles for more than forty-five years, Bishop Dave was a man of deep prayer who had a great love for Our Blessed Mother. He was a peacemaker with a heart for the poor and the immigrant, and a passion for building a community where the sanctity and dignity of every human life was honored and protected.
He was also a good friend, and I will miss him greatly. I know we all will. Please join me in praying for Bishop Dave and for his family in Ireland. May Our Lady of Guadalupe wrap him in the mantle of her love, and may the angels lead him into paradise, and may he rest in peace.