This statement was released to the campus community today.
The Catholic University of America wishes Bishop David M. O’Connell a speedy recovery following a heart attack he suffered while in Rome this week. The former University president and current bishop of Trenton, N.J., had emergency surgery, and he is now resting and recovering at the San Spirito hospital.
Bishop O’Connell led the University for 12 years as its 14th president, shepherding the institution during a time that he once said were ‘among the happiest years of (his) life as a priest,’ adding that his greatest joys as president were interacting with students - and whose lives were touched by his wisdom and spiritual guidance.
I ask that the University community keep Bishop O’Connell in your prayers, asking specifically that we say this prayer from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, where Bishop O’Connell will serve as the Chair of its Committee on Catholic Education, beginning in November of this year:
All praise and glory is yours, Lord our God, for you have called us to serve you in love.
Bless Bishop O’Connell, so that he may bear this illness in union with your Son's obedient suffering.
Restore him to health, and lead him to glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
