In Long Branch, Bishop participates in community’s Assembly, retreat for seminarians
June 5, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
During the week of June 3, San Alfonso Retreat House served as the site for two enjoyable yet meaningful events for Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
PHOTO GALLERY: Vincentian Provincial Assembly
From June 4-6, Bishop O’Connell and members of his religious community, the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission of St. Vincent de Paul, popularly known as the Vincentians, gathered in the oceanside facility in Long Branch for their Provincial Assembly.
“I am so pleased to welcome my Vincentian confreres to the Diocese of Trenton for their Assembly,” Bishop O’Connell said at the start of the Assembly’s opening Mass of the Holy Spirit that he celebrated June 4.
Adapting the synodal process developed by the Holy see for the universal Church, Bishop O’Connell said the Assembly focused its attention on the establishment of a renewed vision for the Province’s future. About 45 elected delegates participated in the Assembly’s deliberations and prayer, calling on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance.
Vincentian priests participating in their community's Assembly are shown during Mass with Bishop O'Connell. Staff photoThe Bishop explained that members of the Vincentian community are identified by the initials C.M. (Congregation of the Mission) that always appears after his name.
“Although appointment as a Bishop changes the canonical status of a religious order priest, he can, by choice, remain a member while, at the same time, belong to the Diocese he serves,” Bishop O’Connell said, but added that he cannot, however, vote or exercise any other rights in the Vincentian community.
The second event was joining the seminarians of the Diocese who attending a five-day retreat at the same time, although in another area of the facility. The Bishop celebrated Mass with the seminarians June 5 and met with each individually before treating them to dinner.
Bishop O'Connell is at the altar in San Alfonso Retreat House, Long Branch, as he celebrates Mass. Staff photo
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During the week of June 3, San Alfonso Retreat House served as the site for two enjoyable yet meaningful events for Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
PHOTO GALLERY: Vincentian Provincial Assembly
From June 4-6, Bishop O’Connell and members of his religious community, the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission of St. Vincent de Paul, popularly known as the Vincentians, gathered in the oceanside facility in Long Branch for their Provincial Assembly.
“I am so pleased to welcome my Vincentian confreres to the Diocese of Trenton for their Assembly,” Bishop O’Connell said at the start of the Assembly’s opening Mass of the Holy Spirit that he celebrated June 4.
Adapting the synodal process developed by the Holy see for the universal Church, Bishop O’Connell said the Assembly focused its attention on the establishment of a renewed vision for the Province’s future. About 45 elected delegates participated in the Assembly’s deliberations and prayer, calling on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance.
Vincentian priests participating in their community's Assembly are shown during Mass with Bishop O'Connell. Staff photoThe Bishop explained that members of the Vincentian community are identified by the initials C.M. (Congregation of the Mission) that always appears after his name.
“Although appointment as a Bishop changes the canonical status of a religious order priest, he can, by choice, remain a member while, at the same time, belong to the Diocese he serves,” Bishop O’Connell said, but added that he cannot, however, vote or exercise any other rights in the Vincentian community.
The second event was joining the seminarians of the Diocese who attending a five-day retreat at the same time, although in another area of the facility. The Bishop celebrated Mass with the seminarians June 5 and met with each individually before treating them to dinner.
Bishop O'Connell is at the altar in San Alfonso Retreat House, Long Branch, as he celebrates Mass. Staff photo