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.

Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, Patroness of Colombia, July 9

While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Lk 11:27-28)

Today is the Patronal Feast of Colombia. The Shrine of Chiquinquirá is a center of pilgrimage for the whole country. As Mary says to the Angel, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” https://youtu.be/0P6EVINaVvs?si=aGssitrul49OW8X3