The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-19
Former Cathedral Priest
Named to Succeed
Van de Vyver.
CHURCH ELATED
OVER SELECTION
Pope Ratihes Decision of Con.
sistorial Congregation Which
Forwarded Name to Rome.
No Conservation Service,
but Installation Will Be
Impressive.

oHlcial announcement came yesterday
from Rome that Pope Plus had rauned
the decision OF the consistorial congre-
cation In appointing the Right Rev. Den
mis- J. O'Connell. Auxiliary Bishop of San
Francisco, to succeed Right Rev. Au-
gustiue Van de Vyver rs Bishop of
Kichutond.
Although newspaper dispatches In
december indicated that Bishop O'Con-
nell would be named, there was no au-
ihentlc way in which this question
could BIZ determined. There was, how
ever the utmost qualification in church
circles yesterday wh-n the news of his
appointment was announced and CON
armed. Exactly when he will arrive
here TO take up his work could not oe
stated but as he is now serving as
auxiliary bishop there will be no con-
secration service upon his arrival.
Name Forwarded 10 Rome.
shortly after the death Of Bishop
Van de Vyver the consistorial congre-
CATION met in Baltimore ana agre,,;
upon three eminent churchmen wnoss
names were forwarded TO Rome for Sc
lection and approval By the Pope. the
Identity of the priests who had been
suggested or nominated was guarded
with the utmost secrecy. although Bal
timorc first heard in December that
Bishop O'Conneli would preside over
the Diocese of Virginia. He is known
TO most of the priests in this city. II
1877, after brilliant career at Rome
he csme TO Ricnmond TO assist IN.
priests ut the cathedral and afteI
greatly endearing himself TO the people
by ms Jealous laborE he was made pas
TOR OF Winchester. 1t was while In
Richmond that Bishop O'ConnelI sat for
ff.. N1zsss a, l.
patch prints to-day. The picture way
made years ago. and was presented 10
Very Rev. j. j. Bowler in 1850. To-
day Bishop OConnell is about stxty-ons
years old. but he is active and vigorous
and is really In the prime OF life he
was born in Charleston, $. c., lis
Southern man BY birth and nature and
mar VINO will lend grace and dignity
TO the new office of the church.
His Distinguished Cnrcer.
After leaving Winchester the new
bishop was appointed rector of the
North American College, in Rome. Sub
sequently he was made domestic
prelete Oils Holiness. an dstili later
was created rector OF the great Catho-
lie University of America, in Washing
ton. which position he held with dis
tinction for a number OF years. He
was always deeply ntcreste. in edu-
cetional work. While in this civ.
soon after his ordination In this dio.
cese, he was editor of the Catholic
Visitor, published in Richmond. Many
OF the older members Of the various
Catholic churches remember the young
priest. who assisted Bisnop keane at
the cathedral In 1850. He was kindly
and gracious, and was held in high
esteem by all who wore associated
with him In the welfare of the church.
Father Bowler. who has been in
charge of the diocese since the death
OF Bishop Van de Nyver was particu.
larly gratifed TO find that an old
friend had been sent hero by the Pope.
II spoke In the highest terms OF the
new bishop. and waited anxiously dur
ing the evening for some message,
which would inform him when Bishop
OConnell might be expected to ar
rive in this city
To Get Cordinl Greeting
While there will be no conservation
service, the installation Will be i'm
pressive and brilliant. All of the
priests of the diocese will attend. The
church will extend most cordial
greeting and big reception Will be
held.
The bishops work In California
naturally attracted the notice of the
consistor!al congregation when look
ing around for man who could carry
on great projects, which Bisbop
Van dc Fyer had put under way. 1t
is believed that his fine services in
Rome and with the Catholic Univers-
ity of America had nu IN to do with
his selection. At all events, no hap
pier choice could have been made. ac
cording to priests of the diocese and
members OF the Catholic churches in
this city.