A memorial exhibit for the Los Angeles archdiocese's slain Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell is ongoing in a chapel at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. 

A report said many of Bishop O'Connell's liturgical vestments, including his chasuble, miter, and pectoral cross, are displayed in the chapel with his life and career photographs.

Memorial Exhibit for Bishop O'Connell

Announced on March 17, St. Patrick's Day, the chapel provides an insight into the life of the bishop, who was described as a "peacemaker" in Los Angeles through his work with youth, mentoring of younger priests, and coordination of the church's response to immigrant children and families.

According to Pasadena Star-News, besides his photos and liturgical vestments, there are also notes he wrote, his Bible, and a rosary.

L.A. archdiocese Vice-chancellor Fr. Parker Sandoval noted that the exhibit does more than just commemorate Bishop Dave's life and work; it also encourages visitors to emulate his joyful witness to Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, Archbp. Jose Gomez invites the community to visit the chapel and learn about O'Donnell's life and career as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. 

"I hope many will be able to come and celebrate the life of Bishop O'Connell, which was truly a life lived for Jesus," the archbishop said, as quoted in the report. 

The Killing of Bishop O'Connell

Bishop O'Connell was born in Ireland and spent 45 years as a priest and then as a bishop in California. 

Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said a deacon discovered O'Connell's body when it went to the bishop's house to see if he was okay after being late to a meeting.

Spectrum News 1 reported that after a lengthy standoff at his home in Torrance, 61-year-old Carlos Medina was taken into custody at around 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 20. 

According to Luna, they found and recovered two firearms in Medina's residence. Authorities also revealed that Medina is O'Connell's housekeeper's spouse and that he worked as a handyman for the bishop.

Although the motivation for the murder is unknown, District Attorney George Gascón claimed that Medina confessed to him about the crime.

About the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, is the seat of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and provides spiritual leadership to the city's more than five million Catholics.

At the cathedral, the archbishop leads the major liturgies of the year with the clergy, religious, and people of the diocese's 287 parish churches and communities. 

According to the website, with its unique architecture and rich tradition, the cathedral's liturgical events set the standard for local parish churches.

The cathedral architecture, artwork, and furnishings reflect the city's ethnic variety, where 42 languages are used during Sunday Mass. The cathedral has seen millions of visitors and pilgrims in its first 16 years.

Architectural Style 

The construction of the 11-story Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels took only three years, despite similar structures often taking centuries to finish.

Beginning in May 1999, the building continued through the following spring of 2002.

Prof. José Rafael Moneo of Spain created a modern cathedral almost without straight lines. The website said such geometry helps to create an air of mystery and majesty around the cathedral.

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