Murdered Cork-born bishop recalled as 'advocate for social and racial justice'

Bishop David O’Connell was laid to rest in a crypt in Los Angeles Cathedral last March.

Bishop David O’Connell from Brooklodge in Glanmire was shot in his home in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County.

The archbishop of Los Angeles has described Cork-born Bishop David O’Connell as an "advocate for social and racial justice” who fought against gun violence, a year after he was shot dead in his home.

The 69-year-old cleric from Brooklodge, Glanmire, was found dead in his home in Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles on February 18 last year, after being shot multiple times.

A church deacon made the discovery at around 1pm local time after Bishop O’Connell failed to turn up for a meeting.

Bishop O’Connell was laid to rest in a crypt in Los Angeles Cathedral last March.

He was consecrated a bishop in Los Angeles in 2015, having been ordained for the US diocese in June 1979.

At a special Mass in his memory in St Lorenzo Ruiz church in his diocese, Bishop O’Conell was recalled by Fr Tony Astudillo as someone “who used public ministry to advocate for social and racial justice". 

“He embraced the immigrants, the poor, the marginalised, gang bangers, the ill, the drunk and the homeless, those considered lost and forgotten.” 

He also said: “He embodied Anam Cara — Gaelic for soul friend. This man of the cloth also fought against gun violence. When six people were killed in a month in his parish neighbourhood, he mobilised 9,000 families not just to pray but to take action. Yet gun violence ultimately stole him away from the community.” 

Fr Astudillo said the “pain is palpable among those who knew and loved him,” adding that his violent death for “someone who lived in peace is almost impossible to conceive". 

The Mass was followed by a prayer service in the garden of the church, where a bust of Bishop O’Connell has been placed.

Ahead of a memorial Mass in San Gabriel in Los Angeles on February 24, Bishop O’Connell was also remembered during a religious education congress taking place in the LA Archdiocese at the weekend.

Archbishop Jose Gomez, who presided over Bishop O'Connell's funeral, said during the congress: "I still miss him every day. I know many of you miss him, too. He was a beautiful man, with a shepherd’s heart. He loved Jesus Christ and he was always a joyful presence at Congress."

He added: "Bishop Dave always had a warm, friendly smile. And I know he is looking down on us this weekend from heaven, and he is smiling. I know he is praying for all of us and the important work we do to share the love of Jesus in our world today."

Following Bishop O’Connell’s killing, all county flags in Los Angeles were lowered to half-mast in his honour, while vigils were held nightly in the week afterwards.

Murder accused

Next month, the man accused of his murder, Carlos Medina, will return to court for a further remand hearing as Bishop O’Connell’s family in Cork await his trial.

Medina, 61, pleaded not guilty when charged with the murder in February.

Medina was also charged with a special allegation that he personally used a firearm during the commission of an offence.

He had been arrested after barricading himself into his home following the discovery of the Bishop's body.

Medina’s wife worked as a housekeeper for the bishop, while Medina himself also carried out some work for him on a number of occasions.

If convicted, Medina could face up to 35 years to life in prison.