Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Watch: Mass For Beloved LA Catholic Bishop David O’Connell, Shot And Killed Last Month
Mourners in line at the public viewing for Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on March 2, 2023.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
iStock
)
Several memorials are being held for Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, who was shot to death in his home, including a funeral and other celebrations of his life. You can watch them here.
March 1: San Gabriel pastoral region memorial Mass
St. John Vianney Catholic Church
Location: 1345 Turnbull Canyon Road, Hacienda Heights
Time: 7 p.m. — If the above live video doesn't work for you, you can watch the livestream at Bishop David G. Connell | LA Catholics
Support for LAist comes from
March 2: Public viewing and vigil Mass
- If the above live video doesn't work for you, you can watch the livestream at Bishop David G. Connell | LA Catholics and on the OLA Cathedral YouTube Channel
Location: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Address: 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles
Public viewing
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Vigil Mass
Time: 7 p.m.
March 3: Funeral Mass
- If the above live video doesn't work for you, you can watch the livestream at Bishop David G. Connell | LA Catholics and on the OLA Cathedral YouTube Channel
Location: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Address: 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles
Support for LAist comes from
Time: 11 a.m.
About O'Connell
Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell of the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese worked with undocumented and unaccompanied minors to help them find homes and attend school in LA.
(
Courtesy Linda Dakin-Grimm
)
O'Connell, an Irish immigrant, served the L.A. Archdiocese for four decades, and was known for his work on behalf of fellow immigrants. He'd been named an auxiliary bishop by Pope Francis in 2015, and in that role helped Archbishop José H. Gómes with the business of the massive diocese.
He was found shot to death at his church-owned home in Hacienda Heights on Saturday after failing to show up for a meeting.
Authorities this week charged Carlos Medina with O'Connell's murder. Medina is the husband of O'Connell's housekeeper. An investigation into the the motive remains ongoing.
Support for LAist comes from
Where O'Connell served in L.A.
Locally he served as a priest at:
- St. Raymond in Downey
- St. Maria Goretti in Long Beach
- St. Hillary in Pico Rivera
- St. Frances X. Cabrini in L.A.
- Ascension Catholic Church in L.A.
- St. Eugene in L.A.
- St. Michael in L.A.
Reflections by those who remember him
Sisters greet mourners at the public viewing for Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on March 2, 2023.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)
"He was a healer. He would bring gangs together and talk instead of fighting. And because he was an immigrant himself, this was his ministry here in LA." - James Ponnet
"It was a great loss, but we also gained a saint. He always worked for peace, unity. He was a very giving person that never kept anything for himself." - Sister Maria de Jesus
Mourners in line at the public viewing for Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on March 2, 2023.
(
Brian Feinzimer/Brian Feinzimer
)
Support for LAist comes from
"I think he was a source of hope, and the source of peace for the community, hope in the troubled world. And he just would come. He didn't resolve the problems. But he brought light in into the midst of the chaos." - Dayrin Perez
"I think my favorite memory was when he wedded my best friend. That was actually the last time I saw him. And I just remember it feeling so loving, especially because he has always been [with] us since we were younger." - Ilani Campos
"We were out at dinner for a fundraising event. And we all found out the news right then and there. It was very tragic. Some of my co-workers burst out into tears. And I may not have known the man, but just to see the impact that he had on everyone and the people around him and in his community, you can see that it was a really, really big traumatic event." - Errol Williams
Mourners pray at the casket during the public viewing for Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on March 2, 2023.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)
LAist Associate Editor Mike Roe also contributed to this story.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500 -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown. -
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding. -
Scientists say La Niña is likely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a dry winter in Southern California.
Best of LAist