Bishop David M. O’Connell’s time in Rome was off to an exciting start Jan. 3 when he attended Pope Francis’ General Audience held in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall. The Bishop had an opportunity to greet the Holy Father twice during this audience. The first time was as the Pope entered the hall. Bishop O’Connell and a group of other visitors were seated on the dais as well, just a few feet from the Holy Father’s chair. The second time was after the Pope’s address when the Bishop once again shook hands with the Pope and the two shared a brief conversation.
Later in the day, Bishop O’Connell and Father Jean Felicien, the Bishop’s priest secretary and master of ceremonies, welcomed three of the 17 priests participating in the pilgrimage – Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton; Msgr. Sam Sirianni, rector of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, and Father Juan Daniel Peirano, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan.
The remaining priests attending the pilgrimage, along with two diocesan staff, are expected to arrive in Rome Jan. 4 with the pilgrimage’s official start date being Jan. 5.
The day prior, Bishop O’Connell visited and prayed before the tomb of Pope Benedict XVI. The first anniversary of Pope Benedict’s death was Dec. 31.
It was Pope Benedict who named Bishop O’Connell coadjutor Bishop of Trenton June 4, 2010 and then appointed him Bishop of Trenton on Dec. 1, 2010.
Bishop O’Connell enjoys a meal Jan. 3 with priests from the Diocese — Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio; Msgr. Sam Sirianni; Father Juan Daniel Peirano and Father Jean Felicien. Staff photo