By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
Bishop O’Connell and priests of the Diocese concelebrate Mass at St. Benedict Chapel in St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome. Also pictured are diocesan staffers Grace Magee, executive administrative assistant office of the Bishop and administrative assistant, office of the Vicar General, bottom left, and Carolyn Norbut, director of pilgrimages and associate director, office of worship, top right.
“A glorious and inspiring occasion.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Diocesan pilgrimage to Rome 2026
So said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., when reflecting on how he observed the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord this year.
What made Jan. 6 extra special for the Bishop, along with Msgr. Thomas Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, and Father Jean Felicien, the Bishop’s priest-secretary, was being among the clergy to participate in the closing of the Jubilee Year and concelebrate Mass with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
Although most churches throughout the world celebrated the solemnity on Jan. 4, Vatican City celebrated it on Jan. 6, the traditional date of the feast.
Bishop O’Connell celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Altar of the Chair. Journey of Faith Tours photos
“Msgr. Gervasio, Father Jean and I were privileged to join the Holy Father and concelebrate Mass with him,” Bishop O’Connell said. “It was my first opportunity to be in his presence with hundreds of other priests, bishops and cardinals.” The Bishop noted that the cardinals of the world were in town for a consistory meeting with the Holy Father Jan. 7-8.
For Bishop O’Connell, Msgr. Gervasio and Father Felicien, the Epiphany Mass at the Vatican was only one of a number of events they attended during their visit to Italy. The trio had actually been on pilgrimage with more than 15 other priests from the Diocese and two diocesan Chancery staff members.
The group, who traveled to the Eternal City to mark the end of the Jubilee Year, left for Italy on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 and they are scheduled to return home on Jan. 9. Among the other highlights the pilgrims enjoyed were celebrating Mass in all major Basilicas: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls; St. Mary Major; St. John Lateran, and St. Peter’s at the Vatican.
On Jan. 4, they traveled to Assisi where Bishop O’Connell visited the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, who was canonized a saint in October, for the first time and on Jan.7, they returned to the Vatican to participate in the Pope’s General Audience. A visit to Castle Gandolfo, the Holy Father’s summer residence, was also scheduled.
Bishop O’Connell and priests from left, Msgr. Joseph Rosie, Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Msgr. Thomas Gervasio and Father Jean Felicien enjoy a stroll around St. Peter’s Square.