Pouring rain and frigid temperatures did not stop more than 60 people from gathering on Friday evening, Feb. 24, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights, to continue honoring Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell in prayer.
Led by the Knights of Columbus at the parish’s O’Callaghan Center, the mourners bowed their heads and recited prayers in unison.
The shooting of the San Gabriel Valley area bishop, found dead on Saturday, Feb. 18, at his Hacienda Heights home, stunned the Catholic community in the Los Angeles area as the Lenten season arrived.
As the church community continues to grieve, many braved the weather to attend the Novena, and plan to continue attending a series of memorial and funeral services next week. Services have been staged indoors and out since his death, as local Catholics mourn the cleric, known as a peacemaker devoted to society’s poor and voiceless.
Noe and Marisol Colunga trekked from their home in La Puente to be at the Novena, even after hesitating – for a moment – because of the rain.
The couple said they have been in attendance for Bishop O’Connell’s vigil since they first heard the news about his death. Noe said that despite not knowing the bishop personally, the couple had felt heartbroken and wanted to pray in O’Connell’s honor.
“To me, being here makes it feel more intimate being around everybody,” Marisol said, “it’s nicer than praying at home, it feels more spiritual.”
The couple is planning to continue attending services and funeral Masses, and said they have even asked for the days off from work to attend.
“It’s not often that this happens, not that it makes it right, but we have to honor him,” said Noe.
Official funeral services will begin with a 7 p.m. memorial Mass at O’Connell’s parish, St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights, on Wednesday, March 1.
Then on Thursday, March 2, there will be a public viewing from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m….
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