Archbishop of Los Angeles José Gómez candidly shared his grief and grief in an exclusive interview with NBCLA after the Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell was shot last month.
The leader of the country’s largest Catholic community said he was trying to mourn his “very close” friend by remembering O’Connell’s legacy.
“I think sadness is something normal, something logical,” Gómez explained. “But it’s important to see that his life has been a tremendous blessing to all of us, to me personally and to everyone in Los Angeles.”
Since O’Connell was found shot dead Feb. 18 at his home in Hacienda Heights, members of his home parish, St. John Vianney Catholic Church, have remembered the 69-year-old pastor as a dedicated and kind with a sense of humor. .
Gomez said he tried to reminisce about the good times he had with the man, known simply as “Bishop Dave” to locals in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
“I saw him a few weeks ago praying the rosary on the cathedral forecourt. It was beautiful,” recalls Gomez. “That combination of devoting himself to God and the people around him impressed me the most. That’s what I try to help people understand.”
The death of Bishop David O’Connell has left a great void in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and in a community that now seeks resignation and strength.
Carlos Medina, 61, has been charged with O’Connell’s murder. He was arrested Feb. 20 after an hour-long standoff at his home in the 2400 block of Kenwood Avenue in Torrance.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said two firearms were recovered from Medina’s home. The accused is the husband of O’Connell’s housekeeper and also carried out maintenance work at the bishop’s home, authorities said.
The Archbishop said while he was happy the suspect was in custody, he stressed that forgiveness is part of the Catholic faith.
“It’s the process that is obviously an angry reaction, not being able to forgive, that’s it,” Gomez explained, “but we have to dig into that and understand that forgiveness is part of God’s plan for humanity. “.
While emulating the life and teachings of Jesus can be a virtuous endeavour, has the archbishop himself forgiven the alleged murderer who killed his “great friend”?
“It’s what I have to do, I try to do it and I will do it.”
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station NBCLA. Click here to read this story in English.