ANAHEIM, Calif. (OSV News) — The dark clouds of a weather system of historic proportions added to the heaviness already felt by the thousands at the 2023 LA Religious Education Congress Feb. 23-26 in Anaheim, a week after the death of beloved Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell.

But as the morning sun came out Feb. 26, organizers had pulled together a Sunday bilingual prayer service in Bishop O’Connell’s honor, with Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez presiding. His life was celebrated in many ways with Irish prayers and music, images of O’Connell from throughout the years, and testimonies from some of those who knew him best.