While some worry that the stunning death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell could cast a shadow over the season of Lent for Southern California’s Catholics, others believe that the parishioners, though they feel the tragedy deeply, will seek solace in their faith and immerse themselves in the annual 40 days of preparation and renewal.
“These tragedies happen and they are to be lamented,” said Armando Garcia, a parishioner from the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Pacoima, in Spanish, “but what we can do is come together and support one another, and pray especially for those in the San Gabriel Valley.”
Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell was found with a fatal gunshot wound Saturday, Feb. 18, at his home in Hacienda Heights. The death is being investigated as a murder, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department announced on Sunday.
Ash Wednesday Masses will continue as scheduled for churches in Hacienda Heights and elsewhere in L.A. archdiocese, officials said Sunday.
O’Connell had a prominent role in administering the church’s message and managing resources in the San Gabriel Valley region of the Los Angeles Diocese, reporting to Archbishop José H. Gomez, and was regarded as a peacemaker and a voice for people on society’s margins. O’Connell was named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles by Pope Francis in 2015.
Parishioners and clergy in Southern California and elsewhere are mourning O’Connell, who they described as approachable, funny and “cool” — and passionately devoted to caring for low-income communities, immigrants and others in need.
“Hearing the news was very impactful because he was part of the church and community,” said Fabiola Montes who came from San Fernando to attend 10 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Downtown L.A., which was dedicated to O’Connell, with the Archbishop as celebrant.
“I think it will affect the beginning of the Lent season because we look up to bishops…
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