New Jersey-based rock legend Bruce Springsteen and Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., got together Feb. 2 for an impromptu lunch in Federici’s Restaurant, Freehold. The lunch was arranged through Father Brian Butch, pastor of St. Anselm Parish, Tinton Falls, who is a friend of Springsteen’s. It was the first time that Bishop O’Connell had met Springsteen, though he has been a fan of his music for many years. The Bishop described the get-together as “delightful.”
Springsteen, who resides in the Diocese of Trenton, was raised Catholic and attended St. Rose of Lima School in Freehold, preserving his connection there to the present day. While not currently a registered parishioner in the Diocese of Trenton, Springsteen has been reported as saying, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” Many of the themes he espouses in his music reflect Gospel values and Church teaching.
Bishop O’Connell said of Springsteen, “What a nice man! Given his worldwide fame, he was so humble and low-key. We both talked about our families, our backgrounds, our career paths and our current interests. Bruce is a ‘Jersey guy’ through and through. It felt as though we’d known each other for years! I hope we can visit again.”
