From the Bishop THE MONITOR: HOW DID YOU LEARN YOU WERE APPOINTED BISHOP OF TRENTON, AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESPONSE TO THE NEWS? BISHOP: It was May 24, 2010, a very busy day for me in the final months of my 12-year tenure as President of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. My cellphone rang around 7:30 a.m. but I was in the shower. I saw the Papal Nuncio’s phone number and name on the “missed call” log but I had Mass at 8 a.m. and, so, planned to call him back later. There was no message. Archbishop Pietro Sambi and I talked often so there wasn’t anything unusual about his call. I went to a staff meeting at 9 a.m. and he called again but I couldn’t take the call. No message. Around 10:30 a.m., I got in the car for another meeting, this one across town. The phone rang a third time and I picked up. “Where are you?” Archbishop Sambi asked. When I apologized for missing his calls and filled him in, he said, “Come over here (the Apostolic Nunciature) for lunch.” And so I did. I must confess, I never expected what he was about to tell me. After some typical light-hearted banter in his office, he looked at me and smiled. “The Holy Father would like you to be the Bishop of Trenton ... and he is not asking. Write a letter accepting and now let’s have lunch.” To say I was stunned is an understatement. Many of my predecessors as I must CUA President were bishops but it was confess, I never not a requirement of the job nor was it something I thought about. After all, I was a member of a religious community. expected what I had planned on taking a sabbatical he was about after CUA and then returning to teach to tell me. at one of our Vincentian universities or to do whatever my Provincial asked, so I was getting myself ready mentally to move on. I had heard rumors about being appointed a bishop occasionally but they came and went as rumors usually do. I had more important things to think about and paid little attention. So “surprise” is putting it mildly.
For Bishop, it’s been 10 years of
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n July 30, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will mark the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the episcopacy, less than two months after being named Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. The Bishop took some time with Rayanne Bennett, Associate Publisher of The Monitor, to look back on the day he first received the news of his appointment from Pope Benedict XVI, and the many highlights that have come in the decade that followed.
THE MONITOR: HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE YOUR EXERIENCES AS UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT, AND NOW, AS DIOCESAN BISHOP, AND WHICH ASSIGNMENT HAVE YOU FOUND MORE CHALLENGING? Newly ordained Coadjutor Bishop David M. O’Connell blesses the congregation in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, July 30, 2010, at the conclusion of the Mass at which he was ordained to the episcopacy. More than 1,000 people, including 300 priests and bishops, attended from around the country. Craig Pittelli photo
BISHOP: People ask me that all the time. Despite the similarities in some aspects of administration, each position has its unique challenges. My answer is a simple one: it depends on the day! I enjoyed my 12 years as President at CUA and my previous eight years as Academic Dean at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, before that. Those 20 years of executive administration Continued on 6
July 2020 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 5
From the Bishop
Bishop reflects on decade as shepherd Continued from 5
taught me a great deal, many things that helped prepare me for leadership of a diocese. At first, I was the “coadjutor bishop” of Trenton, so I had a few months to get to know the Diocese, its staff and clergy, its parishes and programs and faithful before assuming full responsibility. Of course knowledge of the position deepened and intensified after that. Honestly, I didn’t feel it was a huge adjustment and I felt prepared for the major responsibilities: administering a large organization, implementing a substantial budget, working with diverse personnel, evaluating activities with a specific focus, raising funds and so on. These were part of my responsibilities as a university president as well. The difference, however, was the spiritual motivation and faith-centered goal of serving the Diocese as bishop and shepherd, a “different hat” to wear – no pun intended. Academics gave way to evangelization as the primary mission and focus of my attention. THE MONITOR: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE AS YOUR EPISCOPAL MOTTO “TO SERVE AND NOT TO BE SERVED”? BISHOP: That’s an easy one. When I was
ordained a priest in 1982, the selection from St. Mark’s Gospel read at Mass contained that phrase. It became a personal aspiration and motivation for me, something to strive for in ministry, reflective of the attitude of St. Vincent de Paul, the founder of my religious community. They are Christ’s own words, describing the mission of the Son of Man (Mark 10:45). I kept a holy card in my breviary containing that phrase over the years and, when Archbishop Sambi asked me what motto, I would choose as bishop, I did not hesitate in my response. I am very mindful of our Lord’s words and I hope I will always try to embrace them as my motivation, although perhaps imperfectly. The rest of the phrase, not quoted in my motto is also very much in my mind: “to serve and not to be served ... and to give his life as a ransom for the many.“ THE MONITOR: AS YOU LOOK BACK OVER
THE PAST 10 YEARS OF EPISCOPAL MINISTRY IN THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON, WHAT MEMORIES STAND OUT? BISHOP: Well, there are many memories for
sure, some good and some difficult. Some good ones first, OK?
The solemn episcopal ordination ceremony in our beautiful St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton on July 30, 2010 is certainly a memory I will always cherish. My mother was present, which I consider the Lord’s special gift to me, along with the presence of my brothers and family, so many friends, Vincentian confreres and members of the Diocese. Diocesan staff worked very hard to make it a great day and they succeeded. The Eucharistic Congress of 2012 at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, the first ever in New Jersey, was an amazing celebration of our faith in Christ’s Eucharistic presence as the foundation of all we are and do in the Diocese. I will never forget it. Although the memories of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and elsewhere still linger in our minds, the rapid response of the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton, and their care and concern for one another at a time of crisis, were nothing short of inspiring. The outpouring of support for us from dioceses all over the country demonstrated to me the unity of compassion that characterizes what it means to be the Catholic Church. It was a landmark moment! Personally, I always find visitations to parishes for Confirmations, parish anniversaries, special events and programs uplifting and memorable. To be able to celebrate Mass and the Sacraments, to pray with and for the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese — just the visits to the parishes are always joyful experiences that remain in my memory. It’s all about loving and serving the Lord Jesus and his people.
THE MONITOR: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE
THE STRENGTHS OF THIS DIOCESAN COMMUNITY AND THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE DURING YOUR EPISCOPACY? BISHOP: A great source of pride for the Diocese
are the many, many Catholic organizations and charitable societies that can be found serving the people of the four counties without counting the cost: Catholic Charities, Knights of Columbus, Mount Carmel Guild, Mercer CYO, Holy Innocents Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of St. John International, Legion of Mary, Cursillo, Catholic Women of Zion, Pro-life movements, Project Rachel, St. Francis Retreat Center — I am sure I am missing some and I apologize — but coming to know their leaders, their boards and members over
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these past 10 years, I have been amazed by their unselfish witness to Christ’s love here in the Diocese of Trenton. They bring the Gospel to life daily, each through their own unique mission. We have been able to recruit and ordain some wonderful seminarians and priests in the Diocese over the past decade, and I am excited at vocation programs being put in place to continue the trend. We all have to pray for and support these efforts. We need more good, holy priests to join those already serving our faithful. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible generosity of so many people throughout the Diocese. Support for the Annual Catholic Appeal and the recent Faith to Move Mountains endowment campaign, as well as so many second collections has enabled the Diocese to build upon its past and create a stable home and future for the evangelization of and service to the local Church and its parishes. The works and ministries of the Diocese simply could not continue without the generosity of the faithful. THE MONITOR: WHAT HAVE SOME OF THE
MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES BEEN, AND HOW HAVE THEY IMPACTED YOU PERSONALLY? BISHOP: On the downside, I have found the
closure of some Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton a painful experience, given my life’s work in Catholic education. Our Catholic schools provide such a demonstrably outstanding service to families and the broader community, but low enrollments and escalating costs have crippled our ability to keep some of our Catholic schools open. This weighs so heavily on my heart as it does for many families. The sexual abuse of minors by some clergy in the Diocese of Trenton has been one of the most disturbing and painful experiences of my entire life. In saying that, I must acknowledge that my own sense of pain does not even come close to what many innocent children and their families have experienced and shared with me. I hope that, as Bishop, I have been able to offer support to victims through our diocesan efforts to reach out to them and by establishing effective measures that will prevent such abuse from ever happening again anywhere in the Diocese. I pray for the victims of sexual abuse every single day. I would be less than honest if I didn’t say that I am very concerned about the continuing decline in weekend Mass attendance when only 17 percent of our registered faithful report attending Mass Continued on 31
Lives of Faith October 12-14, 2012 As an answer to the call of Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate the Year of Faith “in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., led the Diocese’s first Eucharistic Congress at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, an event that drew an estimated 20,000 men, women, teens and children who took part in Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, concerts, dramatic and cultural performances, spiritual talks and more. Jeff Bruno photo
February 19, 2017 Symbolism and ritual were witnessed by the diocesan community when they gathered for a Mass to commemorate the elevation of St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Freehold, to a co-cathedral. Bishop O’Connell was joined by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, far right, and a new framed coat of arms was presented to Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Co-Cathedral rector, left. Looking on is Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general. Craig Pittelli photo
September 23, 2015 Bishop O’Connell applauds as Pope Francis makes his way down the aisle of St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral, Washington, during the Pope’s historic visit to the United States. Associated Press photo 28 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE July 2020
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Bishop O’Connell and Msgr. Philip Lowery inspect the ripped roof of St. James School, Red Bank, following Superstorm Sandy. The Bishop’s outreach stretched wide after the storm, which caused millions of dollars of damage to church properties across the Diocese. Father Ariel Robles photo
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n our belief, like Mary, we hand ourselves over to God again, and again and again. We hand ourselves over to Christ remembering that nothing is impossible with God. In him and only in him, the impossible is possible; the inconceivable is conceived, and in him we say we are all servants of the Lord.” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., spoke these words during the first Mass he celebrated as Bishop of Trenton on Dec. 8, 2010, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. And as he marks the dual 10th anniversaries of his episcopal ordination and as Bishop of Trenton this year, these words have been a continual guidepost as he set forth to carry out his many responsibilities of serving as the Diocese’s chief shepherd. The Monitor MagaNovember 4, 2015 zine presents this photographic Following Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine retrospective featuring some of of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, Bishop the many highlights from Bishop O’Connell blesses pilgrims who had traveled there O’Connell’s tenure over the past from the Diocese of Trenton. Diocesan pilgrimag10 years. es to the shrine have taken place every few years during his tenure as Bishop of Trenton. Ken Falls photo
October 4, 2016 The annual Catholic Schools Mass was an opportunity for the Bishop to gather in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, with more than 800 students, teachers and staff from Catholic schools in the Diocese. Craig Pittelli photo
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Lives of Faith
November 12, 2012 As part of the Year of Faith and coinciding with the Feast of the Miraculous Medal, Bishop O’Connell celebrated a Solemn Pontifical High Mass for the first time in the Diocese in 40 years, which was broadcasted by EWTN. In November 2011, the Bishop made Mass in the Extraordinary Form more available to the faithful, in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 call. Craig Pittelli photo
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June 3, 2017 Ordaining men to the priesthood is a great joy for Bishop O’Connell, who, in this photo, receives the Promise of Obedience from Father Michael Kennedy. Craig Pittelli photo
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Following the annual diocesan Las Antorchas Guadalupanas celebration in Trenton, seen here, Bishop O’Connell and faithful took prayer petitions with them on pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Mexico. John Batkowski photo
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regularly. I realize that other U.S. dioceses are witnessing a similar downturn, but other areas of the country are happily trending in the other direction. I hear many reasons from the faithful for this decline – some of which, frankly, are excuses rather than real reasons – but all of us in the Diocese need to confront this worrisome trend and try to turn it around. There is more to this issue than I can address adequately here but, believe me, it’s on my mind day and night.  On a more personal level, the loss of my left leg due to a bone infection several years ago has changed so much of the way I do things. It has been challenging, at times, but I think I have adapted pretty well.  It hasn’t affected my ability to get around.  Another bishop similarly challenged once shared with me some words of encouragement given him by Pope John Paul II.  He apologized to the Holy Father for his prosthetic leg and a noticeable limp to which the Pope responded, “Your Excellency, you don’t lead the Diocese with your leg.�  There are many other things that come to mind
THE MONITOR: YOU MENTIONED EARLIER BUILDING A “STABLE HOME AND FUTURE.� WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH IN OUR DIOCESE? BISHOP: As Catholics, we are people of hope.
Hope characterizes our Catholic outlook on life. It’s in our “Catholic DNA.� Hope looks to the future. For the Catholic, all hope is rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ and his promise to be with us “all days, even to the end of time (Matthew 28:20).�  That is something I never doubt.  In these last few months the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting economic and financial hardships as well as the civil unrest and racial tensions that have taken hold of our nation have deepened both the worries and divisions that already seem to plague us in American society. We can DO better. We can BE better. We must. If ever there was a time for hope, it is now. Hope builds upon faith and faith leads to prayer and prayer leads to holiness. That is where the future begins.  The future of the Church in our Diocese depends
upon our willingness – all of us, clergy, religious, faithful – to take our faith seriously in our Diocese and to be convinced that Christ and his Church can and do make a difference. We need to be believers who are pray-ers and pray-ers who are doers.  Being a Catholic is hard work. The Eucharist must be the center of our lives and not for just 17 percent of us.  The Word of God and the teachings of the Church must be a way of life for us and not just a series of “do’s and dont’sâ€? as options on some cafeteria menu. We need to respect and affirm life in all its stages and not surrender to convenience, exceptions and excuses.  We need to reach out to all people with respect and love and compassion and mercy and generosity as sisters and brothers, as children of one God and Father of us all.  We need to embrace our identity as both the personal and communal call of the Lord Jesus.  That is my vision for the future Church in our Diocese: to be full of faith, to be confident in hope, to be generous in love, mindful of Christ’s words in John’s Gospel: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have troubles but take heart I have overcome the world (John 16:33).â€? Â
~ Numbers 6:24-25 •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ God Bless You, Bishop O’Connell St. Denis Parish, Manasquan, thanks you for 10 years of dedicated service and commitment to the people of Trenton. Your ministry in Christ has been a living testimony of the Gospel and the Vincentian mission as you have led this Diocese through challenging times. May God bless you as you continue to live your motto- Ministrare non Ministrari. Ad Multos Annos! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
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n behalf of the parishes of the Diocese, The Monitor extends heartfelt congratulations to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., our Chief Shepherd and Publisher, on the 10th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.
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Prayers and warm wishes to Bishop O’Connell
YEARS Everyone here at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, are proud and happy to congratulate Bishop O’Connell on the 10th anniversary of his episcopacy. We feel very blessed to have you as our Bishop! Keep on truckin’! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ MANY BLESSINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO MOST REVEREND DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., ON HIS 10th ANNIVERSARY TO THE EPISCOPACY From Rev. Eugene J. Roberts, Pastor and Staff at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Marlboro
Your Excellency, Bishop O’Connell, On behalf of our pastoral staff and parishioners of Incarnation-St. James, Ewing, we wish to congratulate you on your 10th Anniversary of your Ordination to the Episcopacy. As you continue to shepherd the Church of the Diocese of Trenton, may our prayers and support bring your strength, courage and good health. •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ Warmest Congratulations to our Good Shepherd, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on his 10th Episcopal Anniversary. Ad Multos Annos! Clergy and Parish of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Whiting •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Many blessings and good wishes to Bishop O’Connell on his 10th Anniversary. May you enjoy good health and happiness for many more years to come. Love and Prayers, Fr. J.C. Garrett, the Parishioners and Staff of Resurrection Parish, Delran Continued on 32
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•đ&#x;•‡â€˘ St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, extends prayerful congratulations to our shepherd, Bishop David O’Connell, as he celebrates 10 years serving God and His people as bishop. •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Visitation Parish, Brick, congratulates Bishop O’Connell on his 10th Anniversary and prays that God will continue to bless his ministry. Ad Multos Annos! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ With Great Affection and Gratitude Holy Family Parish, Union Beach/Hazlet, Congratulates Bishop David M. O’Connell on the 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy. The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
The Parish Community of St. Catherine of Siena, Farmingdale, extends best wishes and congratulations on the 10th year anniversary of ordination to the Episcopacy. With immense gratitude for your pastoral care, and dedicated service to the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton. May Jesus the High Priest, bless your every effort in the days to come and keep you in His loving care. Rev. Angelito I. Anarcon, Pastor •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ Dear Bishop O’Connell, Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. The people of St. Clement thank you for your dedication to the Catholic Church and for your leadership and guidance. May the Holy Spirit guide you, and may God’s blessings be with you as you continue to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fr. Thomas Vala, Pastor, St. Clement’s Parish in Matawan •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Thank you for your 10 years of Servant leadership for our Diocese. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you. Ad multos annos! Rev. Daniel E. Kirk, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo in Cinnaminson •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Congratulations Bishop O’Connell on your 10th Anniversary to the Episcopacy. From the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Hainesport •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ Dear Bishop David O’Connell, with much love, the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lakewood is here to congratulate your 10 year anniversary. May God continue to bless you. Thank you for your leadership. Querido Obispo David O’Connell, con mucho cariĂąo la Parroquia de Nuestra SeĂąora de Guadalupe en Lakewood viene felicitarte por su aniversario de 10 aĂąos. Que Dios lo siga bendiciendo y muchas Gracias por su liderazgo. •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Bishop O’Connell: St. Mary’s Parish family of Barnegat-Manahawkin joyfully congratulates you on your 10th anniversary as our Bishop. With all our love and prayers. God bless! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ God’s Choicest Blessings, Bishop O’Connell, on Your 10th Anniversary as Bishop of Trenton St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church and School, Medford Rev. Daniel F. Swift, Pastor Rev. Roy A. Ballacillo, Parochial Vicar Deacon Ken Motylinski Staff and Parishioners •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Congratulations and blessings Bishop O’Connell on the occasion of your 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy! May God bless you. With prayers from the Parish Community of St. Joseph Church, Millstone Township •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ Congratulations on your 10th anniversary of Episcopal Ordination, Bishop O’Connell. Ad Multos Annos! Your flock at St. Mary Parish in Colts Neck •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ Congratulations Bishop on your Anniversary we’re so glad you are our shepherd. Ad Multos Annos, St. Martha’s Point Pleasant
On behalf of the congregation of St. Catherine Laboure Church, Middletown, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations as you celebrate 10 years of dedicated service to the Diocese of Trenton. We pray fervently for you during this joyous time, that Almighty God would continue to bless all your endeavors and crown you with healthy spiritual enrichment.
•đ&#x;•‡â€˘ The Parish Communities of Saint Isaac Jogues, Marlton, and Saint John Neumann, Mount Laurel, wish to congratulate Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on 10 years as the Head Shepherd of the Diocese of Trenton. We Pray and will continue to Pray for him and his Spiritual guidance as we navigate these interesting times. Very Rev. Phillip C. Pfleger, E.V.
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On behalf of the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Assumption and Saint Joseph Parish,Trenton, we extend our sincere best wishes and congratulations to Bishop David O’Connell on the occasion of his 10th Anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. Thank you for your faithful service to God and the people of the Diocese of Trenton. •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ On the occasion of your 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy, the people of Epiphany Church, Brick, pray that God continues to bless you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May He bless you with peace and joy in your ministry. Ad multos annos! Church of Epiphany, Brick Fr. Mike Santangelo, Pastor •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
With thanksgiving to God’s providence for sending us Bishop David O’Connell to guide the Church of Central New Jersey. You have been a faithful shepherd, leading us in the way of Christ. May God bless you for many years to come, and may the prayers of St Vincent and St Catherine Laboure accompany you in your ministry. From St Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown. • Very Rev. Daniel Hesko •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ DEO GRATIAS! The Church of Saint Rose, Saint Rose High School and Grammar School, Belmar, extends our prayerful and loving wishes and congratulations to you, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on your 10th Anniversary of Ordination as Bishop and Shepherd to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton! Thank you for your leadership, dedication and pastoral zeal, and may Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continue to grant you good health and many more joyful years of ministry. AD MULTOS ANNOS! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Congratulations Bishop O’Connell on your 10th Anniversary of your Episcopal Ordination. You are a great gift from God to the Diocese of Trenton. Ministrare non Ministrari. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly in the years to come. Priests, Deacons, Parishioners of St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ Thank you, Bishop David O’Connell, for the most excellent ministry you endow to the Diocese of Trenton. You are a source of inspiration to us. May the Holy Spirit always bless you with good health and wisdom as you shepherd your flock. Congratulations on your 10th year Anniversary! St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Prayerful congratulations, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., JCD, DD, on your 10th anniversary. We are very grateful for your faithful ministry to God’s people in the Diocese of Trenton. Remembering you in our prayers, Fr. Dennis Apoldite, Fr. Edward Kwoka, Fr. Thomas Kunnath, Fr. Charles Muorah, Staff and Parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton. •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
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With heartfelt gratitude for his steady guidance, unfailing faith, and noble friendship, the parish of St. Benedict in Holmdel extends to our beloved Bishop, David Michael O’Connell, C.M., our prayers, best wishes, and highest regards on the 10th anniversary of his ordination as Bishop. Ad Multos Annos!
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Bishop O’Connell, Congratulations on the 10th Anniversary of your service to the Church of Trenton. May God continue to bless you. Rev. Eugene Vavrick and the Parish of Saint Anselm in Tinton Falls •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ Bishop O’Connell, as you celebrate 10 years as Bishop, the priests, staff and parishioners of St. Joan of Arc, Marlton, offer you their prayerful best wishes and congratulations! God bless you! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Dear Bishop O’Connell, Congratulations and best wishes to you on your 10th Anniversary. We have been blessed with the “Shepherd’s Care� that you have given to us, especially during this difficult time. May God bless you and keep you in His care. The People of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly We at the Church of St. Catharine, Holmdel, are grateful for your 10 years of service as Shepherd of the Diocese of Trenton. Thank you for your willingness to give of yourself fully and be used where God has placed you. May God continue to bless you and our great Diocese.
La comunidad parroquial, junto a su nuevo pĂĄrroco Padre Carlos Aguirre, felicita a nuestro Obispo en su aniversario. Muchas gracias por su dedicaciĂłn y trabajo. Deseamos que Dios y nuestra Madre, la Virgen MarĂa, lo sigan iluminando en su misiĂłn. ÂĄMuchas felicidades! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
Congratulations on the occasion of your 10th Anniversary as Shepherd of the Diocese of Trenton. May God bless you and keep you, Bishop David M. O’Connell. Rev. John T. Folchetti, Pastor and the Parish Family of Saint Leo the Great, Lincroft
Dear Bishop O’Connell, Congratulations on the 10-year Anniversary of your ordination to the Episcopacy. Thank you for your leadership over the years. Our continued prayers are with you. God Bless, The Parish Family of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown
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Congratulations and God’s Blessings on your 10th Anniversary, Bishop! The Parish and Schools of St. Joseph, Toms River, salute you and pray for you always! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
•đ&#x;•‡â€˘ The Parish Family of St. William the Abbot, Howell, wishes to congratulate Bishop David on his 10th Anniversary at the Diocese of Trenton. We are grateful for your spiritual inspiration over these past 10 years and especially for your guidance during the last few months with the pandemic. •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
The priests, deacons, staff and parishioners of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, join in celebrating your 10th anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. We appreciate your dedication to ensure the needs of the faithful are met. May the love of God continue to guide you. Ad Multos Annos! •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, we the clergy, administration, staff and volunteers of the Parish of St. Dominic, Brick, offer our prayers and support to Bishop David O’Connell! Your leadership and prayerful example is truly a remarkable inspiration! Vivat Rex!
Congratulations and prayerful best wishes, Bishop O’Connell, on your 10th Anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton from St. Mark’s Parish, Sea Girt. “Ad Multos Annos�
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Congratulations and best wishes to the Most Rev. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as you celebrate the 10th anniversary of ordination to the episcopacy From Rev. Jacek W. Labinski, S.T.D., Pastor and the St. Hedwig’s parish family, Trenton. God bless and best wishes!! AD MULTOS ANNOS! • STO LAT!
Congratulations and God’s blessings to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, on your 10th anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy. Thank you for being our Bishop! With prayers and best wishes from the Priests, Staff, and Parishioners of St. Michael’s Church, Long Branch
From Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, The parish community together with its new pastor, Fr. Carlos Aguirre, congratulates our Bishop on his anniversary. Thank you so much for your dedication and your work. We pray that God and our Mother, the Virgin Mary, continue to illuminate you in your mission. Many congratulations!
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We extend our prayers and best wishes to our Shepherd, Bishop David O’Connell. May Our Lord continue to bless you. Father Mark Kreder and the people of St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River •đ&#x;•‡â€˘
The Church of the Nativity rejoices with the people of the Diocese of Trenton in honoring and celebrating Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on this anniversary of his episcopal leadership. May God’s blessing continue to come upon him, as we are blessed to call him our Bishop! Father Jim Grogan and the People of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ Congratulations, Bishop O’Connell, on your 10th anniversary! We are grateful to God for the gift of your episcopal ministry. Thank you for shepherding our Diocese so well. Know of the Catholic Community of Princeton’s prayers as you continue to follow God’s call. St. Paul Parish, Princeton •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ With our greatest appreciation and in recognition of your dedication, faithfulness and compassion while shepherding God’s flock, Father John Testa and the Parish Community of Corpus Christi Church in Willingboro wish you a Holy and Happy Anniversary. “Ad Multos Annos!â€? •đ&#x;•‡â€˘ The Parish of St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor, Rejoices with Bishop David M. O’Connell On the 10th anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton May God bless you today and always as you continue a life of service to the people of God in your special calling as Bishop. All our Prayers and Best Wishes.
July 2020  ď‚Ąâ€ƒ THE MONITOR MAGAZINE   33