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.

THE SOLEMNITY OF PETER & PAUL, June 29

Peter the Apostle, and Paul the teacher of the Gentiles, these have taught us your law, O Lord. (Entrance Antiphon)

Today is the feast of the two great apostles that the Church of Rome claims as its founders. Through the ancient city of Rome the churches always show the two apostles together. Although they died in different years, in the celebration of their martyrdoms, the two are celebrated together. Would that we could all say together with Saint Paul:

I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. (2 Tim 4:6-8)