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Bishop's Corner

Keeping the memory of God alive

Catholics “pass on the faith” not only by what they say or teach but also ...
‘Wider WE’ the focus of annual National Migration Week

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I write to share these reflections of the Bishops of the United States...
Never Forget: 9-11 and One Person’s Memories

It was a beautiful Tuesday morning in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 20 years ago.
Sept. 1: World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

Six years ago this past May 24, our Holy Father Pope Francis issued his second ...
Following the Church’s synodal path of Communion, Participation and Mission

The Catholic Church in recent years, particularly during the pontificate of Pope Francis, ...
Back to school on the journey back to normal

We all have been hoping and praying that the effects of the pandemic would be well behind us by the time we opened our Catholic school doors for the 2021-22 academic year ...
A look at our relationship with Mary, Queen of the Assumption

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven falls on Sunday this year and remains a pre-eminent Marian feast day that should be honored and remembered.
Homily from World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

I remember going shopping as a boy with my mother and grandmother – I guess, maybe 60 years ago – when I...
A summer gathering . . . ‘When the brothers dwell together as one’

It was a beautiful summer evening Thursday July 22 as the priests of the Diocese of Trenton gathered together in St. Robert’s Co-Cathedral Parish for dinner!
Seniors: A New Vocation

I woke up one day only to discover I was a senior citizen! Where did the time go?
A Pro-Life Message from Bishop O'Connell

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I encourage all our Catholic clergy, religious and lay faithful ...
Bishop acknowledges Pope Benedict's priesthood anniversary

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., offered a congratulatory message to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on the occasion of his 70th anniversary of priestly ordination:
The Holy Eucharist is Jesus Christ Himself

At the recent virtual meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Apostolic...
A Father's Day message....

JUNE 20, 2021 • “Every family needs a father — a father who shares in his family’s joy and pain, hands down wisdom to his children and offers them firm guidance and love.” Pope Francis
Bishop O'Connell: The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the human heart of the priest beat as one

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus can be traced back to the 12th and 13th centuries ...
In Ordination homily Bishop tells new priest: ‘You were chosen for this gift … strive to be holy’

Deacon Ballacillo, consider the life and mission you are about to undertake by the laying on of my hands as Successor to the Apostles and by the consecratory prayer as a gift. Use it well.
A note of thanks

My heartfelt thanks to all the clergy, religious and faithful members of the Diocese of Trenton for your prayers and the many expressions of good wishes sent to me during my recent hospitalization.
With joyful hearts, we return

This weekend, when the Catholic Church in our Diocese celebrates the Solemn Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, seems like the perfect occasion to welcome all the faithful of the four counties to return to full participation in the Holy Eucharist ...
‘I Will Send Another, the Holy Spirit, the Advocate’: The Solemnity of Pentecost

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly” (Acts of the Apostles 4:31).
The Month of May: The Month of Mary

St. Bernard of Clairvaux was well known for his great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
‘He Was Taken from their Sight’: the Ascension of the Lord

Although the liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension has been transferred to this coming Sunday in the Dioceses of New Jersey this year, I can’t help but reflect about its meaning on Thursday, May 13, 40 days after Easter.
Bishop O’Connell welcomes Holy Father’s establishment of ‘lay ministry of catechist’

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I welcome the apostolic letter issued today “motu proprio” (“on his own initiative”) by His Holiness Pope Francis, “Antiquum Ministerium” (Ancient Ministry), officially establishing the “lay ministry of Catechist” in the Church.
A Mother's Day message....

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the love of a mother.” St. Therese of Lisieux
Bishop O’Connell: ‘God’s call to vocation comes in the ordinary moments of daily life’

The Word of God reminds each of us in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: “You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. Do not be afraid for I am with you” (Isaiah 41: 9-10).
You Are Witnesses

I do not consider myself to be a Scripture “scholar” but, rather, a Scripture “reader.” I do enjoy reading the Bible, especially the Gospels, and coming to know the Lord Jesus through the sacred texts.

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