Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from SAC-CA! I wish everyone a very blessed New Year 2012 – more graces from the Lord– good health, peace, safety and protection, wisdom at all times, love, among many others! Let us exercise the good virtues of more kindness, patience, generosity, cheerfulness among one another at all times! Even as we continue to pray for our Pinas countrymen who were affected by calamities and disasters, may they all have the grace to bear all with hope, patience and faithfulness for a better tomorrow! What won’t kill us is meant to make us stronger!

On our SacCatholicForum held at the Radisson Hotel on December 16, we had as speaker our

Most Reverend Jaime Soto, Bishop of the

Diocese of Sacramento, on the topic “The Cost of Solidarity”. Christian Solidarity – what does the Church teach? What is its role in a modern world transformed by globalization? What does it mean to commit to the common good? Bishop Soto provided a practical guide to the virtue of solidarity as a faith response to the challenges of the modern world and what it takes to make that commitment? In a world of full of violence, hunger, suicide, loneliness, etc., let us commit to do simple acts to show our solidarity with those sufferings – like mortification of fasting and abstinence, reach out to others who are lonely, kindness to others, charity to others, especially with family – in Solidarity as members / union in the Mystical Body of Christ!

I am happy that I completed the 9-days Novena Masses (Dec. 16-24), part of my childhood traditi

on, in preparation for Jesus’ birthday, in praise, thanksgiving, and faithfulness for the Blessings – good health, peace, Love, wisdom, among others - showered upon us!

In addition to the fulfillment of spiritual responsibilities of the season are the parties and get-together with friends sharing gifts, games, and food, thus ready to face coming years with hope and enthusiasm! Of course, we also remember in our prayers our Pinas kababayans.

Activities of the season proceeded smoothly - shopping, parties and meeting up with friends, with the usual ‘elephant exchange gifts’, including: at the home of Joey and Jonah Caliao (neighbors) on Dec. 23 with lechon and others; the potluck hosted by Don and Rose Davies (50 guests), so much fun with the high-tech games, 1 – 7 pm. Consoling news from Pinas is our business is doing well and they are able to re-hire more seamen who were out of job because of Gerry’s being trusted associate of Yorozu San who is the principal of 70 vessels. As Jessica said, ‘Sir reports for work in ‘coat and tie’ all the time and signs all checks for the shipping firm.’ Thus, he is so happy and fulfilled in Pinas. This is our mission and apostolate to help our Pinas economy, which we are very greatly thankful to God!

Other climax for the year:

Our ERATO home blessing by Fr. George Snyder on Friday, Dec. 30, (1-4pm), administered comprehensively. He prayed and sprinkled holy water to all rooms, nooks and cranny, vehicles, yard, and people present. We partook of sumptuous food and shared stories, guests were co-pilgrimage participants, very intimate and fun! They appreciated our dedicating the formal living room as altar for our spiritual enhancement and sustenance, similar to the set-up we have in our Fairview home.

Our year-end party and ‘open home’ on Dec. 31 (12-4pm), attended by family, friends, and neighbors – who all congratulated Sean and appreciated the property we acquired – excellent investment – value for cost! Imagine, we got double the size, but half the price, valuable accomplishment indeed, thanks GOD! We are so very grateful for these gifts. Everyone (30) seemed to enjoy the party, but we have to excuse ourselves in order to attend our traditional 4:30 pm Mass for New Year! Definitely, our new home will have more occasions to welcome and entertain friends, as we are happy to share our journey in America!

Attached are 5 photos of family and friends’ gathering. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG