Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., offered his support for immigrant communities and encouraged those who attended an immigration workshop March 22 to lean on their faith and trust in the God and Church that loves them.
The Bishop, and other Catholic leaders from the community spoke to the 200 persons who had gathered in the lower hall of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, to learn of their rights and the resources available to them.
Addressing the attendees in Spanish, Bishop O’Connell said, “I have come here tonight, not to give a speech, but simply to be present with you as your bishop. I want to offer you my love and support at a time when I know you are worried and afraid. The Lord Jesus is with you, with us, saying, ‘Do not be afraid.’
“Put your faith and hope and trust in Jesus,” he continued. “I pray each day for you, and I place you in the arms of our loving Mother Mary, asking for her protection for you and your families. May God watch over you and bless you.”
The workshop came on the same day that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a new pastoral reflection that calls on U.S. Catholics to do what they can to accompany and support immigrants and refugees.
Learn more about the local workshop, co-hosted by Catholic Charities’ El Centro, Trenton, and the Cathedral, in this story from The Monitor.
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Mark your calendar for these upcoming Diocesan events:
- Priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful from across the four-county Diocese will gather with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for the Chrism Mass on April 10.
- Bishop O’Connell will be the main celebrant for the Tenebrae Service April 12. The service portrays Jesus’ Passion with prayed and sung psalms, lessons and chants expressing grief.
- Bishop O’Connell will celebrate a Mass honoring law enforcement personnel in Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Burlington counties on April 18.
- Boys in grades seven through 12 are invited to spend a day at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on April 30.