Slain Cork bishop described as 'soulmate' by his closest friend
Bishop David O'Connell had friends in the corridors of power while also being friends with the powerless, his funeral Mass was told.
One of Bishop David O’Connell’s closest friends has remembered him as a soulmate and called his friendship a blessing from God at the cleric's funeral Mass in Los Angeles.
The ceremony for the murdered Corkman was led by Archdiocese of Los Angeles Archbishop José Gómez in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, and was attended by hundreds of clerics from across the US. He was laid to rest in a crypt in the cathedral following the Mass, bringing to an end three days of funeral services in his adopted city.
'Bishop Dave', as he was known across the archdiocese, was found shot a number of times in his home on February 18.
A native of Brooklodge, Glanmire, he celebrated his first Mass as a newly ordained priest in Glounthaune in June 1979. He was consecrated a bishop in Los Angeles in 2015.
His friend, Monsignor Jarlath Cunnane, told the thousands of mourners attending the funeral: “I thank God for the blessing of having him as my friend for more than 50 years — since 1971. We walked that road together, wayfarers together.
He said Bishop O'Connell had friends in the corridors of power while also being friends with the powerless.
Monsignor Cunnane added: “I was better for having known David O’Connell.”
The men had been friends since studying together in All Hallows College in Dublin and dined together every Thursday evening.
Monsignor Cunnane told the large congregation that Bishop O'Connell spoke to each soul, saying: “He healed souls and he brought peace to souls”.
He recalled the dedication Bishop O'Connell showed him in recent years when Monsignor Cunnane was very ill. He said: “He was faithful to me all the time I was in hospital — every day.”
Archbishop Gómez told the funeral that Bishop Dave had a “special love for those who are often forgotten and those who live on society’s margins".
He read a telegram containing condolences from Pope Francis, which has been read out at three Masses held in Bishop Dave’s honour since Wednesday.
His brother Kieran and other members of Bishop O’Connell’s family travelled to Los Angeles for his funeral.
Kieran and the bishop’s nephews Brian and David accompanied his casket into the cathedral, along with clerics including Monsignor Cunnane, who is originally from Sligo.
Speaking on behalf of his family, David said they are heartbroken.
He told the congregation: “He never ended a phone call without telling me how proud he was of me and I hope that he knows how proud we were of him. He was really the rock of the family, the one we went to for advice and support.”
He said that people now have the opportunity to carry on the example that he set.
And he urged: “Make sure that those close to you know that you love them and that you are proud of them.”
David thanked Monsignor Cunnane for his moving homily but also for the friendship he shared with the bishop through the years.
Following the eulogy, the bishop’s niece Orla read a poem, , by John O’Donohue.
As his casket was wheeled throughout the cathedral at the end of the almost two-hour Mass, the congregation clapped in honour of the slain bishop.
The husband of Bishop O’Connell’s housekeeper has been charged with the murder. Carlos Medina, 61, will appear in court on the charge on March 22.
He was also charged with a special allegation that he personally used a firearm during the commission of an offence.
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