Devoted, humble, “down to earth” and a “father figure” — this was how many young Catholics describe the late Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell.
Santa Ana resident Beverli Reyna said he “genuinely cared” about people. Being a bishop — one of the highest clergy rankings in the Roman Catholic Church — made him that much more “approachable,” no matter your age, race, what you believe or where you come from.
“He was always very invested, driving himself, even showing at the small parish events,” she said. “You could tell that he was always interested in our well-being to grow as young adults, in community. It always made me want to do more in my faith.”
O’Connell’s sudden death stunned many in the Roman Catholic faith who worked with and encountered him throughout his ministry. And that includes the church’s youth and young adult community, whom the bishop was closely connected with.
On Saturday, Feb. 18, authorities found O’Connell, 69, dead by gunshot wound at his Hacienda Heights home. The suspect, whom officials say had previously worked at the bishop’s home and whose wife was the bishop’s housekeeper, has since been arrested. Though a motive has not yet determined, authorities are calling it a murder investigation.
O’Connell was named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles by Pope Francis in 2015, and was assigned to oversee the San Gabriel Valley region. Officials said he served as a priest and later bishop in the archdiocese for 45 years.
Local Catholics say that O’Connell’s deep dedication to ministering to young people — along with involvement in region-wide church initiatives and ministries — was what made him genuine and accessible.
Young adult Michael Ramirez has been working with O’Connell for years, as part of a regional council representing different parishes in the area. He and a group of volunteers had regular meetings with the bishop at his office in Irwindale. Ramirez…
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