LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Catholics, multi-faith clergy and elected leaders from across Southern California filled the pews of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles on Friday for the funeral Mass of Auxiliary Bishop David Gerard O’Connell, a beloved priest regarded as a “peacekeeper,” a “man of the people” and a “good friend to Los Angeles.”
It was the third day of memorial services in remembrance of O’Connell, 69, a native of Ireland, who was found shot to death Feb. 18 in his Hacienda Heights home. Parishioners on Thursday formed lines at the cathedral during a daylong public viewing for the bishop before a vigil Mass was held in his honor.
On Friday, the prayer of St. Patrick emanated as bishops and cardinals processed into the cathedral. Cardinal Robert McElroy was among the bishops in attendance. City and state leaders including Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore and California Senator Maria Elena Durazo sat in the front pews alongside O’Connell’s family.
In his homily, Monsignor Jarlath Cunnane spoke of his 50 years of friendship with O’Connell, whom he described as a friend of Jesus and of the poor. Cunnane recalled how O’Connell was faithful …
Thousands attend funeral Mass for beloved Los Angeles Bishop David O’Connell
