Minneapolis, Minnesota – Those who are lucky enough to be in the orbit of Michael O’Connell, retired Rector at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, know that he is a man who embodies integrity. He lives his ethos every day with his unrelenting commitment to community aid and prosperity. His role in shaping the legacy of The Basilica of Saint Mary alone is immeasurable, such that his compassion, advocacy, and vision for justice warrant an honorary acknowledgement for his influential contributions to their community.
On May 19, 2024, The Basilica of Saint Mary will dedicate a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible in honor of O’Connell’s ministry and service. Commissioned by Saint John’s Abbey and University and created in Wales under the artistic direction of world-renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson, the former Scribe to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Saint John’s Bible is the first handwritten and hand-illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in more than 500 years. The Heritage Edition is a full-size, fine art reproduction of The Saint John’s Bible. There are, and only ever will be, 299 sets of the seven-volume Heritage Edition.
The Basilica will host a Mass Dedication and Blessing of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition on Pentecost Sunday at 9:30 am, followed by a Reception in Teresa of Calcutta Hall to celebrate. The Heritage Program is privileged to take part in honoring O’Connell’s legacy with the dedication of this Heritage Edition.
“The Basilica of Saint Mary is an iconic center of faith, not only for Catholics but for believers from many traditions as well as nonbelievers alike. It’s a center for faith and life in all of its expressions,” said The Rev. Dr. John F. Ross, Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program. “That’s the kind of place where a Heritage Edition can truly shine.”
Guiding Communities to Action
O’Connell began his ministry work back in February of 1967, serving as vicar general and moderator of the Curia at the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. In 1984, he joined the community of St. Cecilia in Saint Paul as pastor before becoming rector of the Basilica in 1991.
“He arrived at the Basilica in a time of great need – both in terms of the building and dome and in terms of building up the community of faith,” said Friar Daniel of the Basilica in a story dated March 21, 2024 on the Basilica’s website.
Much of O’Connell’s legacy at The Basilica stems from his open-door policy. He promoted The Basilica’s stance as a sacred space where all people are welcome. Minneapolis residents will have O’Connell to thank for the creation of The Basilica Block Party. Besides being a fantastic means of cultivating community experiences in and of itself, the event also helped engage young Catholics and built a lively community of faith with The Basilica at the center. Traditions such as these have since sustained the parish for years. Funding provided by the proceeds for the Block Party have supported the rebuilding of The Basilica dome and roof.
Across all the communities he touched within the Twin Cities, O’Connell was well-known as a tireless advocate for the enhancement of educational opportunities for families experiencing poverty. In partnership with city and community leaders in Minneapolis, O’Connell founded the Jeremiah Program in 1993, a national influence on generational poverty that “helps mothers in challenging situations with housing and the skills to build a sustainable future for them and their families.”
While headquartered in Minneapolis, the Jeremiah Program has expanded to nine cities nationwide: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Fargo-Moorhead, Las Vegas, St. Paul, and Rochester-Southeast. The Program is committed to addressing structural inequities and following the leadership of women facing the issues of early childhood education, college accessibility, income disparity, and affordable housing.
“In my opinion, Michael embodies the very spirit and action of ecumenical ministry,” said Ross. “He is a man of action who knew that words can only ever get you so far. He is the ultimate connector of people who are interested in getting important things accomplished without any concern for who gets the credit.”
O’Connell also served as Pastor of Ascension in Minneapolis from 1999 until his retirement in 2015. Prior to his retirement, O’Connell created the Downtown Interfaith Clergy Group alongside Rabbi Joseph Edelheit. The group, which consists of senior clergy from several faith communities in Minneapolis, fosters important interfaith dialogue and collective work towards justice.
His exemplary steadfast dedication to the poor and marginalized communities in the Twin Cities and around the country, is a proper representation of what kind of ministry leader O’Connell was. His efforts will continue to reach far and wide, now more than ever as The Basilica welcomes a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible in his name. As a testament to his inclusivity to all of God’s people, this dedication represents the transformative power of the Living Word and its ability to embrace and meet everyone wherever they are and wherever they may go in the future.
The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program: Expanding Community Outreach and Connection
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