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.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, NEW YEAR’S DAY, Friday, January 1

The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!
(Num 6:22-27)

Today is the Octave Day of Christmas and one of the oldest feasts of the Virgin Mary. It is also New Year’s Day. What is interesting is the Aaronic Blessing from the Book of Numbers, invoking the Lord’s name over the people. What we normally hear as a Final Blessing at the end of Mass, makes a wonderful blessing for the beginning of this New Year 2021. And to all of you faithful readers, a blessed New Year 2021! The photo today is of the icon of the Mother of God, Light in All Darkness by Father William McNichols, SJ.