In top photo: Seminarians of the Diocese are pictured with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar of clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, at far left. Staff photo
Among his many priorities as diocesan Bishop is the formation and support of seminarians “who will one day minister to the faithful of the Diocese in our parishes.”
So said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as he reflected on the time he spent with the seminarians during their annual retreat held June 1-5 in San Alfonso Retreat House, West End.
Each year at the retreat, Bishop O’Connell enjoys having the “opportunity to spend some quality time with them and off them encouragement and accompaniment on their journeys” to priesthood.
“I meet individually with those just beginning their seminary studies to talk about their calling, their families, their hobbies and interests, their hope and even some of their doubts,” the Bishop said.
The retreat also gives Bishop O’Connell and the seminarians a time to socialize, the Bishop said noting that he has “an especially great time having dinner.”
“We laugh from beginning to end,” he said.
“They are good at picking up some of my ‘pet phrases’ and incorporating them int the banter!” the Bishop said, then added, “These men offer me and all of us great hope for the future of the Diocese. Pray for them!”
Other highlights of the retreat included presentations by Redemptorist Father Robert Wojtek, who served as retreat director. Also present for the week was Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar of Clergy and Consecrated Life and director of seminarians.
