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In beginning the mass, Father Mike said to a packed church, “It is good to be home,” causing the Orland Park church to erupt into a thunderous applause. The Sunday gospel spoke about Jesus in the desert for forty days with only angels to minister and assist him through those tough times and all of the chaos. In his homily, O’Connell sited the people of Our Lady of the Woods as his angels, and the past year and a half as his “forty days in the desert.” He thanked the community and parish family of Our Lady of the Woods for their unwavering support and generosity causing tears in the eyes of many.
Unfortunately, the incident will be linked with O’Connell forever. A simple Google search will tell you exactly what the charges were against him, yet it takes more searching to find the articles on his declaration of innocence. Because indeed, Father Mike O’Connell has been declared innocent. He is innocent in the eyes of DCFS, of the Archdiocese, of the State’s Attorney, of the Orland Park and the Cook County police. Regardless of proof, regardless of his faithful believers, this incident will stick with him forever. It’s a tough pill for his congregations, his friends, and his colleagues to swallow. We know him and we know the man he is… we KNOW his innocence. We NEVER needed proof. It is unfortunate that people like SNAP coordinator Barbara Blaine cannot understand the great faith we have or see the truth in our hearts. No, Ms. Blaine hasn't let this one go, and she quite possibly never will. But if last night is any proof; O’Connell is going on with or without her approval.
Last night’s mass was a great step in healing for a community of people who were so hurt by these allegations and who were tortured with the thought that an innocent man could be so persecuted in the media and the church he so loved. We were able to sing our praises, and celebrate mass with both of our Father Mike’s. Indeed it was a pretty great day for all. Indeed, Father Mike’s forty days in the desert are over.
And indeed, Father Mike O’Connell, it was good to have you home.