Bishop O’Connell released from Rome hospital, to return home later this week

Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., was released from the Cardiac Care Unit of Santo Spirito Hospital in Rome Jan. 9. He is expected to return to New Jersey later this week as planned with the priests of the Diocese who had been on pilgrimage. He will continue his recovery, along with rehabilitation, at home upon his return. The Bishop was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack Jan. 4 due to a blockage of the largest cardiac artery, often associated with heart attacks referred to as “the widow maker.” He underwent an emergency procedure to open the artery and has been recovering in Santo Spirito, first in the Intensive Care Unit and, as of Jan. 7 in the Cardiac Care Unit. Bishop O’Connell had been in Rome a few days ahead of the Jan. 4 arrival of some 20 priests of the Diocese for a planned pilgrimage. During his hospitalization he expressed regret that he wasn’t able to be with the priests but enjoyed receiving their photos and stories and was very happy that they were having a good pilgrimage experience. In a Jan. 9 email sent to diocesan curia members, Bishop O’Connell said that he felt “very lucky” to have received care so quickly following his heart attack. He also gratefully acknowledged that he has received hundreds of get well wishes from throughout the Diocese and the wider Church. He again thanked everyone for their support and prayers.