TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, released the following statement today on the installation of the new Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. Coadjutor Bishop David M. O’Connell succeeds Bishop John M. Smith, who submitted his retirement on June 23, after serving the Diocese of Trenton since November of 1995. Senator Turner will attend the installation ceremony at the St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton, and participate in the dinner reception that follows:
“This is an exciting day for the residents of central New Jersey, and the 830,000 parishioners in Mercer, Monmouth, Burlington and Ocean counties.
“I commend the Very Reverend David M. O’Connell on this joyful day of his installation and welcome him as the new Bishop of the Trenton Diocese. I thank him for his call to greater service, and for the noble commitment he has made to the people of this region.
“New Jersey is a wonderful state, but we have many challenges. At a time when we are encountering such incredible economic hardship, it will be up to our communities to come together to make sure that no one falls through the cracks.
“I know the Bishop’s dedication will serve to strengthen the fabric of our communities and help our residents to overcome the challenges that lie ahead as we work toward economic recovery in this great state. To that end, I am grateful for his service and honored that I was able to share in this historic event.
“Bishop O’Connell is following in the footsteps of Bishop John M. Smith, who contributed so much to our region during his tenure. Today, I also want to celebrate his 15 years of dedication, and thank him for his extraordinary work.”