Bishop joins Aquinas Institute community for Mass
February 26, 2024 at 5:56 a.m.
Father Zachary Swantek and members of the Aquinas Institute, Princeton University's Catholic campus ministry, welcomed Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., for the celebration of Mass Feb. 25, the Second Sunday of Lent.
Along with Father Swantek, Father Joe Thomas, assistant chaplain, concelebrated the Mass.
PHOTO GALLERY: Bishop's Mass at Aquinas Institute
Part of Bishop O'Connell's Lenten schedule has included visiting college Catholic campus ministries. On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, he celebrated Mass for the Catholic students of Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the day's Readings, first of which told the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son "at God's command without hesitation."
Because of Abraham's faithfulness, God rewards Abraham by sparing his son.
"Abraham's faith resulted in his becoming the father of the chosen people of God," he said.
The Second Reading tells of God's willingness to sacrifice his son, "something that does happen, that shows the absolute love of God for us," Bishop O'Connell said. The Gospel presented the story of the Transfiguration where Jesus was with three disciples -- Peter, James and John -- as well as Moses the law giver and Elijah the prophet.
"Remember, Jesus had just predicted his own death and invited the disciples to pick up their cross and follow him," Bishop O'Connell said. "But the cross leads to glory and the transfiguration was a glimpse of glory for the followers of Jesus.
Bishop O'Connell urged the college students to remember that during Lent, God invites his people to make sacrifices and to grow in holiness and "he shows the depth of his love in return."
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Father Zachary Swantek and members of the Aquinas Institute, Princeton University's Catholic campus ministry, welcomed Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., for the celebration of Mass Feb. 25, the Second Sunday of Lent.
Along with Father Swantek, Father Joe Thomas, assistant chaplain, concelebrated the Mass.
PHOTO GALLERY: Bishop's Mass at Aquinas Institute
Part of Bishop O'Connell's Lenten schedule has included visiting college Catholic campus ministries. On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, he celebrated Mass for the Catholic students of Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the day's Readings, first of which told the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son "at God's command without hesitation."
Because of Abraham's faithfulness, God rewards Abraham by sparing his son.
"Abraham's faith resulted in his becoming the father of the chosen people of God," he said.
The Second Reading tells of God's willingness to sacrifice his son, "something that does happen, that shows the absolute love of God for us," Bishop O'Connell said. The Gospel presented the story of the Transfiguration where Jesus was with three disciples -- Peter, James and John -- as well as Moses the law giver and Elijah the prophet.
"Remember, Jesus had just predicted his own death and invited the disciples to pick up their cross and follow him," Bishop O'Connell said. "But the cross leads to glory and the transfiguration was a glimpse of glory for the followers of Jesus.
Bishop O'Connell urged the college students to remember that during Lent, God invites his people to make sacrifices and to grow in holiness and "he shows the depth of his love in return."