A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts.
www.catholicnewsagency.com
-
Carlos Medina, the suspect in the murder of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, was arraigned in state court Wednesday and formally charged with one count of murder and a special allegation that he personally used a firearm. O’Connell was found dead with “at least” one gunshot wound to his upper body on February 18 in his bedroom at his Hacienda Heights home, Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said in a Monday press conference. News of O’Connell’s death shocked the nation and rocked the local and international Catholic community. Offering remarks at Monday’s press conference, Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez broke into tears and struggled to complete his brief comments on Bishop O’Connell. “Out of his love for God, he served this city for more than 40 years,” Gomez said. “Every day he worked to show compassion to the poor, to the homeless, to the immigrant, and to all those living on society’s margins. He was a good priest and a good bishop and a man of peace, and we are very sad to lose him,” Gomez said.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253716/housekeeper-s-husband-officially-charged-in-murder-of-la-auxiliary-bishop-o-connell
Today, the Church celebrates Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of the apostle and evangelist St. John. Polycarp is celebrated on the same date by Eastern Orthodox Christians, who also honor him as a Saint. According to tradition, Polycarp was martyred by Roman authorities by being stabbed to death, but only after no flames touched his body during an attempt to burn him alive.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-polycarp-of-smyrna-156