Family's heartbreak at tragic bishop memorial

Pope pays tribute in letter to gun victim's sacrifices and dedication

- SEAN MURPHY

THE devastated family of a bishop killed in America has flown over for his funeral while the Pope has praised the gun victim's sacrifices.

Bishop David O'Connell, 69, was shot dead in his home at Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles on February 18, allegedly by his housekeeper's husband.

The Cork cleric's heartbroken brother Kieran spoke emotionally during a memorial mass in St John Vianney Church in LA on Wednesday.

He said Bishop Dave, as he was known in the States, was "happiest" in LA with his parishioners.

Kieran, his wife and their children flew from Ireland to attend the first of three memorial masses held this week before the funeral today.

Mr O'Connell reflected on his brother's early years as a priest and the family's pride when he said his first mass.