the death of the bishop David O’Connell she left a great void in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and in a community that now seeks resignation and strength.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles was found dead at his Hacienda Heights residence on Saturday, February 19.
The man charged in her death is Carlos Medina, 65, who faces one count of murder and one count of using a firearm to commit the act. If convicted on all counts, the suspect could face up to 35 years to life in prison.
Now a Southern California family remembers the times they shared with the priest as a way to find comfort in their terrible loss.
Eyes glued to various photographs, spouses Abel and Martha Diaz remember every moment with the late bishop.
“We remember him as a very special priest, who gave us advice, gave us lectures,” said Martha Díaz, who points out that his active participation in the church is the result of the priest’s teachings. . “He urged us to do it.”
As parishioners seek resignation for the death of their leader, the investigation continues to bring the culprit to justice.
The Diaz spouses lived for more than a decade with Bishop O’Connell, who pastored San Miguel Arcángel Church in South Los Angeles for 15 years. He was present for the couple’s 35th wedding anniversary.
“The news of his death was sad for them but the circumstances surprised them a lot.
(When) we found out that he had been murdered, it shocked us a lot,” said Abel Díaz. “(We feel) great pain. Who had the courage or the reason to do so. It’s shocking to see someone take the life of someone who is dedicated to doing good.
Abel Diaz remembers the advice Bishop O’Connell gave them.
“He always told us that the most important thing was the family, the family union and encouraging the children to take them to church, to teach them catechism,” says Abel Diaz. “I thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet him because he was an important part of our lives.”
Martha Diaz is the one who told her children the bad news of the murder of their spiritual leader.
The Catholic community continues to be shocked by the murder of Bishop David O’Connell, 69.
“They were really surprised by how it turned out,” says Martha Diaz. The bishop had baptized several of the couple’s grandchildren, and their children attended the parish school.
“We were all very happy until everything surprised us.”
Now, the absence of the bishop leaves a great void, not only in the Díaz spouses, but in thousands of families who have been indoctrinated by O’Connell.
“We have a beautiful memory. That’s what’s left, the memories of the beautiful things that happened.
This is why prayer has become the process of healing and forgiveness for an entire community.