The final goodbye for Bishop David O’Connell was grievous and joyous. It had poignancy and humor. It was solemn – yet emotionally riotous.
But above all, the bishop’s funeral Mass – attended by thousands on Friday morning, March 3, with an untold number watching via livestream – reflected the spirit of a man who saw reverence in the prosaic.
“(The) presence of Christ and deep prayer,” the Rev. Jay Cunnane, said during the homily, “allowed David to see God in the bits and pieces of every day — a smile here, a kiss again, and sometimes tears.”
Smiles and tears abounded on Friday as Los Angeles County’s Catholic faithful gathered for a moment of mournful reverence for O’Connell, the auxiliary bishop for the LA archdiocese and the Roman Catholic Church’s spiritual leader for the San Gabriel Valley.
O’Connell was fatally shot at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18.
The tragedy cut deep. The wound won’t be easily healed. The grief will scar.
“(He) has left without saying goodbye. We are heartbroken.”
— the Rev. Jay Cunnane, O’Connell’s friend
But weeks of mourning and remembrances culminated in the Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Downtown Los Angeles, ending three days of funeral farewells for the man lovingly called “Bishop Dave.”
There was also a service on Wednesday at his home parish, St. John Vianney, in Hacienda Heights, followed by a viewing and vigil on Thursday. Later Friday, the bishop was interred at the cathedral’s underground mausoleum
An estimated 5,000 people, from elected officials to clergy from around the world, converged on the county’s spiritual center of Catholicism. Thousands more watched from the cathedral’s plaza.
Those numbers alone testify to the legacy of a religious leader who was a friend to all – who was a good man whose life was well-lived.
“Friendship is something he was good at — he was friends with young and old, up and down the social scale,” Cunnane, a pastor at Long Beach’s St. Cornelius Church and close friend of O’Connell’s, said. “He found the good in people, praised it, and spoke it into them.”
The recessional at the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
An overflow crowd fills the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The recessional at the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Mass is given to 4,000 attendees at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels during the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The recessional at the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clergy from throughout the Catholic Church attend the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
- See AlsoBishop David O’Connell’s funeral marked an end, but sparks new questions on next stepsHundreds gather at Christ Cathedral for funeral services of Bishop Tod D. BrownDIOCESE MOURNS PASSING OF BISHOP EMERITUS TOD BROWNSecond update: Funeral arrangements for late Bishop Dorsonville announced - Catholic Standard
Archbishop Jose Gomez delivers the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clergy from throughout the Catholic Church attend the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Former LA mayor Eric Garcetti attends the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Archbishop Jose Gomez delivers the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Archbishop Jose Gomez at the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
An overflow crowd fills the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Monsignor Jarlath Cunnane delivers the homily for his long-time friend, Bishop David O’Connell, at the Funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
David O’Connell, nephew of Bishop David O’Connell, speaks at the Funeral Mass for his uncle at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clergy from throughout the Catholic Church attend the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA, Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clergy arrive at the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clergy arrive for the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clergy arrive for the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The casket of Bishop David O’Connell arrives at the Funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clergy arrive for the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clergy arrive for the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Archbishop Jose Gomez greets family members of Bishop David O’Connell at the Funeral Mass held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Funeral Mass begins for Bishop David O’Connell at Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The casket of Bishop David O’Connell arrives at the Funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A standing room only crowd attends the Funeral Mass for Bishop David O’Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Archbishop Jose Gomez prepares the casket of Bishop David O’Connell at the Funeral Mass held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Archbishop Jose Gomez places a bible on the casket of Bishop David O’Connell at Funeral Mass held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA Friday, March 3, 2023. O’Connell was found shot at his Hacienda Heights home on February 18. The suspect in the shooting, 61-year-old Carlos Medina, has been charged with the murder. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
of
Expand
♦ ♦ ♦
The three formal days of mourning for O’Connell, while rare, seemed appropriate given his decades of shepherding his flock.
O’Connell, 69, was born in County Cork, in the south of the Republic of Ireland in 1953.
He studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College in Dublin, and later moved to Los Angeles to begin his own ministry — where he was ordained to serve by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1979.
After ordination, he served as associate pastor in several parishes and as the lead pastor at St. Frances X. Cabrini, Ascension, St. Eugene and St. Michael’s parishes — all in LA.
“He’s left quite a big void in our community with all the work that he did — and we all have to pick up where he left off in some small way. We’ll never make it up, but maybe we can make a dent.”
— Jeff Hamilton, member of the Southern California Immigration Task Force
During that time, O’Connell ministered to a community afflicted by gang violence and poverty. He helped restore trust between residents and law enforcement by organizing meetings with police officers in people’s homes and providing opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation in the aftermath of the 1992 LA riots.
In 2015, Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop for the archdiocese.
He was also the chairman of the interdiocesan Southern California Immigration Task Force — which helped coordinate the church’s response to immigrant children and families from Central America in recent years.
O’Connell played a key role in sponsoring the enrollment of several young immigrants in Catholic schools.
“He helped so many, many unaccompanied minors and families with immigration,” Jeff Hamilton, also a member of that task force, said in an interview after the service. “There’s a young lady that I still keep in touch with — she has asylum now, she’s getting straight A’s in school, and her sister is in the Navy.”
Many young immigrants, Hamilton added, likely would not have been granted asylum without O’Connell’s work.
“He’s left quite a big void in our community with all the work that he did — and we all have to pick up where he left off in some small way,” Hamilton said. “We’ll never make it up, but maybe we can make a dent.”
O’Connell’s ministry will be forever memorialized by the people he helped and the support — be it assistance with an asylum application, or merely a friendly smile.
And that’s what O’Connell’s ministry was ultimately about, Cunnane said: friendship – communion.
♦ ♦ ♦
“He wrote on men’s hearts and in the minds of young children sublime words — words of forgiveness, words of healing, with simple words like, ‘Jesus, I trust in you.’”
— Cunnane
Mourners broached the entrance of the cathedral, nestled in the heart of Downtown L.A., early on Friday to be part of the communion to honor O’Connell.
Haze obscured the sky.
But eventually, the sun broke the gloom. It was as if the city where O’Connell had dedicated much of his life wanted to provide a glimmer for him as a final send off.
Inside the church, gilded and grand, Catholic relics nestled alongside artifacts of mourning: Memorial funeral sprays, lit candles in his honor, and prayers to shepherd him to his resting place.
The church pews filled an hour before the Mass. Among those present were the bishop’s family and local dignitaries, such as former L.A. Mayors Eric Garcetti and James Hahn, and L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn.
Around 11 a.m., the mourners stood as dozens of church leaders proceeded to the cathedral’s altar. O’Connell’s casket followed shortly after.
Folks lined the aisles and craned their necks from behind the pews, not wanting to miss a moment of the Mass – or their chance to say goodbye to a man they’d called a friend.
“He was a dear friend and brother,” Garcetti, who’d known O’Connell for 20 years, said in an interview after the Mass. “During the pandemic, he held a daily prayer group for me just to sustain me in the darkest days I had ever seen as a leader — when people were dying he shone a light and helped me continue that work.”
That support, Garcetti said, was something he’ll always cherish — and miss.
As will the thousands of others whom O’Connell had comforted.
“David was a friend of souls,” Cunnane told the congregation during the homily. “He wrote on men’s hearts and in the minds of young children sublime words — words of forgiveness, words of healing, with simple words like, ‘Jesus, I trust in you.’
“But more than anything else — and that’s the source of all that friendship — we should say was a friend of Jesus Christ and Mary, our blessed mother.”
Cunnane’s homily managed to make the crowd both laugh and cry.
And, most importantly, it put words to the grief O’Connell’s death has caused his loved ones.
David O’Connell, the Bishop’s nephew, expressed the same reverence for his uncle.
“We all love you so much,” David O’Connell, the bishop’s nephew, said during his eulogy. “I am so sorry that you will not be here for all the things that are to come in our lives — at least not in person.”
The younger O’Connell described how his uncle ended every phone call by telling his nephew how proud of him he was. The younger O’Connell, as if speaking to the heavens, told his uncle he – and everyone who knew the bishop – was proud of him.
“You will always be kept in our minds and in our hearts,” he added, “as you kept us in yours.”
Cunnane, who is from Sligo, Ireland, closed his homily with an apt saying from his and O’Connell’s shared homeland.
“A Cork man might leave without saying goodbye,” Cunnane said. “A Sligoman would say goodbye but wouldn’t leave. But now — the Cork man that he is — has left without saying goodbye. We are heartbroken.”
But on Friday, during a moment in which the prosaic gave way to the reverential, LA County’s Catholics said a final goodbye to their friend – and spiritual shepherd.
