These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” (Mk 7:31-37)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021122.cfm
The healings that Jesus performs on behalf of the sick are an important part of his ministry. Our prayers for the sick are an important part of the Communion of Saints. Our Lady of Lourdes reminds us that God is always close to the sick.