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.

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Lk 9:1-6)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092723.cfm
Ministry to the sick and suffering is an essential part of the proclamation of the Kingdom. The church has always been involved in caring for the sick. As Jesus says, “I was sick and you cared for me.” Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) is best known through the work of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society which serves the poor in over 150 countries.