Pope Francis gives Diocese his blessing, asks for the prayers of the Church of Trenton
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
The papal audience held in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Jan. 8 was one of several opportunities that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., had to speak personally with Pope Francis during a recent visit in Rome. The Bishop was one of six cardinals and bishops onstage with the Holy Father who were each escorted to greet the Pope personally.
Bishop O’Connell said of personal time he was given with Pope Francis, "I concelebrated two private Masses with the Holy Father ... just the two of us. After the second Mass, we spoke about the Diocese. I asked Pope Francis if I might extend his personal greeting to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese to which he responded, ‘Yes, please. And my blessing.’ He made the sign of the cross then took my hand and said, ‘Please ask them to pray for me. I need it.’ I promised him I would. Please pray for our Holy Father, who sends you his very best wishes and blessing."
L’Osservatore Romano photo is copyrighted and may NOT BE USED, SHARED OR REPRODUCED.
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The papal audience held in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Jan. 8 was one of several opportunities that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., had to speak personally with Pope Francis during a recent visit in Rome. The Bishop was one of six cardinals and bishops onstage with the Holy Father who were each escorted to greet the Pope personally.
Bishop O’Connell said of personal time he was given with Pope Francis, "I concelebrated two private Masses with the Holy Father ... just the two of us. After the second Mass, we spoke about the Diocese. I asked Pope Francis if I might extend his personal greeting to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese to which he responded, ‘Yes, please. And my blessing.’ He made the sign of the cross then took my hand and said, ‘Please ask them to pray for me. I need it.’ I promised him I would. Please pray for our Holy Father, who sends you his very best wishes and blessing."
L’Osservatore Romano photo is copyrighted and may NOT BE USED, SHARED OR REPRODUCED.