Denis J. O'Connell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Denis Joseph O'Connell |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Richmond | |
Monsignor O'Connell as rector
of the North American College |
|
| See | Diocese of Richmond |
| Enthroned | March 19, 1912 |
| Reign ended | January 15, 1926 |
| Predecessor | Augustine Van de Vyver |
| Successor | Andrew James Louis Brennan |
| Other posts | Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco (1907–12) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | May 26, 1877 |
| Consecration | May 3, 1908 by Cardinal James Gibbons |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 28, 1849 Donoughmore, County Cork, Ireland |
| Died | January 1, 1927 (aged 77) Richmond, Virginia, USA |
| Buried | Sacred Heart Cathedral, Richmond, Virginia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Parents | Michael and Bridget O'Connell |
| Alma mater | Pontifical North American College |
Denis J. O'Connell (born January 28, 1849 – died January 1, 1927) was an Irish-born American leader in the Roman Catholic Church. He served as a bishop for many years. From 1912 to 1926, he was the Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond in Virginia. Before that, he was an auxiliary bishop (a helper bishop) for the Archdiocese of San Francisco in California from 1908 to 1912.
Before becoming a bishop, O'Connell was the head, or rector, of two important Catholic institutions. He led the Pontifical North American College in Rome and later the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Contents
Denis O'Connell's Life Story
Early Years
Denis O'Connell was born on January 28, 1849, in a place called Donoughmore, in County Cork, Ireland. His parents were Michael and Bridget O'Connell. When he was young, his family moved to the United States. They settled in Columbia, South Carolina. His father's two brothers, Jeremiah and Joseph O'Connell, were already working there as missionary priests.
As a young man, Denis felt a strong calling to become a priest. In 1868, he started studying at St. Charles College in Ellicott City, Maryland. Because his uncles were priests, he was sent to Rome in 1871 to study at the Pontifical North American College. He was a very smart student. When he took his final exam to earn his degree as a Doctor of Divinity (a high degree in religious studies), the professors were so impressed that they gave him the degree right away, without even needing to vote!
Becoming a Priest
Denis O'Connell was officially made a priest in Rome on May 26, 1877. He was ordained for the Diocese of Richmond by Cardinal Raffaele La Valletta.
Later, when Bishop James Gibbons was chosen to be the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, he sent O'Connell to Rome. O'Connell went as his representative to accept a special wool scarf called a pallium, which archbishops wear. In 1884, O'Connell became Cardinal Gibbons' secretary. He was sent to Rome again with important decisions from a big meeting of bishops called the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore.
In 1885, O'Connell became the rector, or head, of the North American College. He held this important job until 1895. In 1887, the Pope gave him a special honor, making him a "domestic prelate" with the title of monsignor. After returning to Richmond, O'Connell worked at St. Peter's Parish. From 1903 to 1909, he served as the third rector of The Catholic University of America.
On December 16, 1907, Pope Pius X chose O'Connell to be a "titular bishop" of a place called Sebaste in Phrygia. This meant he was given the title of bishop, but for a place that no longer had a living diocese. Cardinal Gibbons officially made him a bishop (this is called "consecration") on May 3, 1908. This ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore.
Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco
On December 24, 1908, Pope Pius X appointed O'Connell as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. This meant he would help the main bishop in San Francisco.
Bishop of Richmond
On January 19, 1912, Pope Pius X appointed Denis O'Connell as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Richmond. This was a very important role, as he was now in charge of the entire diocese.
Due to health reasons, Bishop O'Connell resigned from his position as Bishop of Richmond on January 15, 1926. The Pope accepted his resignation and gave him the title of titular bishop of Mariamme.
Denis O'Connell passed away on January 1, 1927, in Richmond. He was 77 years old. A high school in Arlington, Virginia, is named after him: Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School. It was founded when that area was still part of the Diocese of Richmond.
