Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., is spending the better part of the week of March 10 in Washington, D.C., participating in a variety of daily activities. Highlights include concelebrating the March 11 Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception during which Cardinal Robert McElroy was installed as Archbishop of Washington; visiting with friends and former colleagues at The Catholic University of America, where Bishop O’Connell served as president prior to his arrival as Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton, and getting ready for a celebration on March 14 when CUA will honor him and the 10th anniversary of the dedication of Father O’Connell Hall.
While visiting the CUA campus March 12, Bishop O’Connell enjoyed making a stop at O’Connell Square which is located in Brookland, D.C., near CUA. O’Connell Square opened in 2014 and was named after the Bishop, recognizing him helping to establish the Monroe Street Market, which spans five blocks and includes residences, restaurants, shopping and art venues. A plaque in honor of Bishop O’Connell hangs in O’Connell Square.
For two days the Bishop was also involved with meetings as a member of the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.