STATEMENT OF BISHOP O'CONNELL ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELECTION OF POPE FRANCIS
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I join Catholics and, indeed, all people of good will throughout our Diocese in offering our prayerful congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis on the occasion of the first anniversary of his election as Pope. This past year has been a time of great joy and hope for the Catholic Church, due largely to the joy and hope with which our Holy Father has embraced and exercised his pastoral responsibilities as Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome and Chief Shepherd of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
Pope Francis has taken the world by storm through sheer force of personality, demonstrating a Christ-like humility, simplicity and sincerity that has engendered unprecedented affection as well as a fascination with him as the world's foremost religious leader. While the Gospel that he has preached by word and example and the teachings of the Church that he has presented with gentle wisdom, do not differ from the message proclaimed by his predecessors, Pope Francis has brought new life and inspiration to his Office and pastoral ministry as Pope.
During the several occasions I was privileged to visit with Pope Francis in January, I found him to be everything the world has witnessed, celebrated and loved about him. May the Lord continue to give him good health, great wisdom and deep holiness as he leads us in faith, hope and love.
Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M.
Bishop Trenton
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As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I join Catholics and, indeed, all people of good will throughout our Diocese in offering our prayerful congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis on the occasion of the first anniversary of his election as Pope. This past year has been a time of great joy and hope for the Catholic Church, due largely to the joy and hope with which our Holy Father has embraced and exercised his pastoral responsibilities as Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome and Chief Shepherd of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
Pope Francis has taken the world by storm through sheer force of personality, demonstrating a Christ-like humility, simplicity and sincerity that has engendered unprecedented affection as well as a fascination with him as the world's foremost religious leader. While the Gospel that he has preached by word and example and the teachings of the Church that he has presented with gentle wisdom, do not differ from the message proclaimed by his predecessors, Pope Francis has brought new life and inspiration to his Office and pastoral ministry as Pope.
During the several occasions I was privileged to visit with Pope Francis in January, I found him to be everything the world has witnessed, celebrated and loved about him. May the Lord continue to give him good health, great wisdom and deep holiness as he leads us in faith, hope and love.
Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M.
Bishop Trenton