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, March 1

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them. (Mk 10:13-16)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030125.cfm
Jesus and the children . . . an image that captures the imagination. For all of us, the Lord’s arms are open to embrace and bless. The Virgin Mary reveals God’s motherly love for us all. We continue to pray for the health of Pope Francis and for his ministry among us.