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.

Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, presbyter, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, martyrs, September 20

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. (Lk 8:1-3)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092024.cfm
The women disciples were with Jesus throughout his ministry and were faithful to the end whereas the gospels record that the Twelve abandoned him and fled. Saints Andrew (1821-1846) and Paul (1794-1839) and the First Martyrs of Korea, 227 men and women, (1791-1888) remained faithful even to death.