Bishop O’Connell celebrates Christmas morning Mass with men in state prison
December 27, 2019 at 9:40 p.m.
For Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., spending Christmas morning with the Catholic residents at the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton is not only a tradition, “it’s a highlight of my Christmas celebrations.”
This year was no different. On Dec. 25, he celebrated Mass for about 60 men. “I preached to them about the angel’s message not to fear,” Bishop O’Connell said.
He was joined at the prison by Dominican Sister Elizabeth Gnam, Catholic Chaplain, her fellow Dominican Sister Loretta Maggio and five volunteers.
“Christmas is not a visiting day at the prison, so I always feel welcome as a guest. I know the residents look forward to the celebration,” the Bishop said.
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For Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., spending Christmas morning with the Catholic residents at the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton is not only a tradition, “it’s a highlight of my Christmas celebrations.”
This year was no different. On Dec. 25, he celebrated Mass for about 60 men. “I preached to them about the angel’s message not to fear,” Bishop O’Connell said.
He was joined at the prison by Dominican Sister Elizabeth Gnam, Catholic Chaplain, her fellow Dominican Sister Loretta Maggio and five volunteers.
“Christmas is not a visiting day at the prison, so I always feel welcome as a guest. I know the residents look forward to the celebration,” the Bishop said.