O’Connell Overcomes Battle with Cancer
Chelsey Sterling, Tower Staff
January 27, 2012
Filed under News
The Reverend David M. O’Connell, the former president of The Catholic University of America, announced in a press release that he has recently overcome a bout with skin cancer.
O’Connell, now the C.M. Bishop of Trenton, mentioned his struggle with cancer as an anecdote in his message on the value of human life. The cancer, which had begun as a small episode, worsened over time, concluding with reconstruction of the right side of his nose. Admitting that its increase was due to neglect, O’Connell stated that he felt unprepared to face yet “another health issue” in the wake of his struggle with diabetes over the past year.
However, the bishop remains hopeful even amidst the dubious discussion, offering the insights instead as supplements to his broader message on the value of an appreciation of the fullness of human life.
“The diminishing of our health as we age is a gradual and not so subtle reminder that no one can escape this world alive,” he said. “In the meantime, however, we should live every day of our lives with joyful enthusiasm, remembering Jesus’ words in John’s Gospel: ‘I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.’”
Corresponding positively with the bishop’s message, doctors at the Fox Chase Health Center have announced that the cancer has been removed completely.
Bishop O’Connell served as president of Catholic University for twelve years before stepping down in 2010. He was succeeded directly by the current president of the University, John H. Garvey.
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