A message from Bishop O’Connell on the Month of Mary. Christianity has loved Mary since the Lord Jesus’ final moments on the Cross when he said to John the Beloved Disciple, “’Behold your Mother.’ From that hour onward, the disciple took her into his care (John 19: 27).” And so he did. And so have[…]
Arthur J. O’Connell, Jr., 73, brother of Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M., Bishop of Trenton, and Daniel O’Connell, Associate Director for Curriculum and Instruction in the Diocese of Trenton’s Department of Catholic Schools, died April 24. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathleen; his children and their spouses: Sean (Meagan), Ryan[…]
A message from Bishop O’Connell on World Day of Prayer for Vocations This Sunday, April 25, is World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day that coincides with Good Shepherd Sunday. As Catholics, we are all asked to encourage young people in particular to consider dedicating their lives to follow the Lord Jesus in a[…]
We invite our Facebook community to share their best wishes and prayers for our shepherd, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who celebrates his birthday today! _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The celebration of the Solemn Feast of the Ascension of the Lord has been transferred by the bishops of New Jersey from Thursday, May 13 to Sunday, May 16,[…]
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reflects on St. Luke’s story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus and the risen Lord’s appearance to the Apostles soon after, encouraging the faithful to “Be his witnesses” as well. I do not consider myself to be a Scripture “scholar” but, rather, a Scripture “reader.” I do enjoy[…]
A reflection from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the occasion of Pope Benedict’s birthday: Today, Friday April 16, is Pope Benedict XVI’s 94th birthday, making him the oldest Successor to St. Peter in history. Although he resigned the papacy for reasons of physical health in 2013, his contributions to the ongoing development of the[…]
A civil lawsuit has been filed against the Diocese of Trenton alleging the sexual abuse of a minor in 1989-90 by Rev. Joseph Farrell, currently pastor of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt. The abuse was alleged to have taken place during Father Farrell’s ministry in Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish in Atlantic[…]
‘Jesus, I trust in you’: A message for Divine Mercy Sunday from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Is there any more powerful expression of love on earth than showing mercy to others? Such love reflects the ultimate love shown by our Divine Lord during the days of his Passion, Death and Resurrection which we just[…]
In person and online, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., journeyed with his Diocese’s people during Holy Week, posing a question at the start of the Sacred Triduum that would remind the faithful just how much Christ sacrificed in the name of love. From Palm Sunday to the Easter Vigil, Trenton’s shepherd visited five parishes in[…]
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., gathered March 29 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, with 160 priests of the Diocese for the annual Chrism Mass. Before a livestream audience of deacons, religious and lay faithful, the Bishop led the priests in the renewal of their priestly commitment, and also blessed and consecrated the oils to[…]
