Northern Burlco parishes hear Lenten message on hope from Bishop
March 26, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
Following his presentation, Bishop O'Connell fielded a range of questions including what he has found to be his greatest joy as a priest and Bishop to immigration concerns and about the Diocese's involvement in the National Eucharistic Revival and participation in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Mary Stadnyk photosDovetailing on the virtue and grace of hope, the chosen themes for the Jubilee Year by Pope Francis, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shared insights, encouragement and practical steps on how people of faith can experience hope in their lives.
Addressing parishioners from three Northern Burlington Deanery cohort parishes at a March 26 Lenten Soup & Scripture gathering, Bishop O’Connell defined Christian hope as “a profound and transformative aspect of our faith” and how even in a world that’s often filled with uncertainty and challenges, “hope is a beacon that guides us, strengthens us and keeps us moving forward.”
Concretizing what Christian hope is especially during the Lenten season through using Scripture passages and reflections, the Bishop urged those gathered from Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown; St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, and Corpus Christi, Willingboro, to remember that Christian hope “is not just wishful thinking or blind optimism” but that it is rooted in the promise of God and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
“Our hope is anchored in the unchanging nature of God and his faithfulness,” he said. The Bishop continued by focusing on how to find hope in the midst of trials; the transformative power of hope and sharing hope with others.
More to come on this story.
Bishop O'Connell delivers his message on hope to the gathering of nearly 70 parishioners during the March 26 Soup & Scripture gathering held in Burlington March 26.
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Following his presentation, Bishop O'Connell fielded a range of questions including what he has found to be his greatest joy as a priest and Bishop to immigration concerns and about the Diocese's involvement in the National Eucharistic Revival and participation in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Mary Stadnyk photosDovetailing on the virtue and grace of hope, the chosen themes for the Jubilee Year by Pope Francis, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shared insights, encouragement and practical steps on how people of faith can experience hope in their lives.
Addressing parishioners from three Northern Burlington Deanery cohort parishes at a March 26 Lenten Soup & Scripture gathering, Bishop O’Connell defined Christian hope as “a profound and transformative aspect of our faith” and how even in a world that’s often filled with uncertainty and challenges, “hope is a beacon that guides us, strengthens us and keeps us moving forward.”
Concretizing what Christian hope is especially during the Lenten season through using Scripture passages and reflections, the Bishop urged those gathered from Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown; St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, and Corpus Christi, Willingboro, to remember that Christian hope “is not just wishful thinking or blind optimism” but that it is rooted in the promise of God and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
“Our hope is anchored in the unchanging nature of God and his faithfulness,” he said. The Bishop continued by focusing on how to find hope in the midst of trials; the transformative power of hope and sharing hope with others.
More to come on this story.
Bishop O'Connell delivers his message on hope to the gathering of nearly 70 parishioners during the March 26 Soup & Scripture gathering held in Burlington March 26.