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.

Saturday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, October 29

For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. (Phil 1:18b-26)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102922.cfm
Saint Paul’s ministry in Philippi results in this joyful Letter to the Philippians. Although the apostle is imprisoned for preaching the gospel, yet the letter is filled with Christian hope and encouragement. The Magnificat of the Virgin Mary also expresses hope in the God who casts down the mighty from their thrones and lifts up the lowly.