Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from SAC-CA! We are now in the season of Lent in preparation for the commemoration of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection – the center of our lives, so let us all take time for meaningful Reflection!

O

n our SacCatholicForum held at the Woodlake Hotel on February 24, 2012, we had as speaker Mr. Ch

ris Lewis, son of Hollywood celebrity Jerry Lewis. Chris, chairman of the American Wheelchair Mission, spoke on the topic “Learning God’s work even if you grew up in show business Hollywood”. He narrated his life, growing up in glitzy Hollywood – with his six brothers, educated in Jesuit schools, Catholic Italian mother, served as altar boy with Jesuit spiritual advisers,

exposed to charity fundraisers of famous father and his friends (Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, and Dean Martin), a filmmaker – helping people around the world without publicity, together with the K of C. They go around the world distributing containers of wheelchairs (280 per container). Then he showed a film on 1 of their missions –

The Philippines, in Malabon, Metro Manila. The 20 minute video showed the streets of Pinas: a barangay, concrete paved with shanties, smiling people and kids running around, focusing on a legless man living alone. The film said that since there is no health care system in Pinas, ‘children are expected to care for parents until death; where there is no family, neighbors take turns to care and provide for the elderly.’ Upon arrival of the wheelchair, the delight of the man and the surrounding neighbors were captured vividly; one woman said: ‘Now, you can go to church to pray and thank God!’ Next scene showed the interiors of a big church with wheelchairs, the K of C members in their regal finery, people giving a standing ovation for them. After the video showing, we gave a standing ovation to Chris, as people expressed support and interest to accompany him on next missions to other countries. I thanked him for helping Pinas and sharing our nice culture and faith. I was happy and proud of our Catholic customs and traditions as presented in the video; especially on hope and faith. By the way, many of the people and kids were wearing yellow shirts!

The best compliment is emulation and I am happy to share that my two children (actually adults) Sarah and Sean are in the midst of their graduate studies program, thus I am ardently praying for their perseverance and success! I recall my UST Philosophy of St. Thomas professor Fr. Arceo defined: “Successful parents are those who bring up children to become independent and develop self-esteem.” Currently, I can say I am on the right track, with God’s Blessings!

Other highlights for the month:

· In our Bible study, we are on Acts of the Apostles, and the readings and discussions give me a deeper understanding of St. Paul’s and the apostles’ commitments to spreading Christ’s teachings to communities – the values on Obedience, Humility, Love through all the sorrows and trials!

· On Valentine’s evening, as I answered Sean’s knock on my door, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a big bouquet of yellow green roses – so thoughtful of him! My being his housekeeper as part of my multi-tasking in America, is fully compensated.

· Movies recently watched include the following: The Vow, Safehouse, The Descendants. Books recently read are: Surprised by Truth 2 by Patrick Madrid, The Saints, Pope John Paul The Great by Peggy Noonan, The Hidden Manna, A Theology of the Eucharist by James T. Oconnor.

Attached are 3 photos for the month. 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

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from SAC-CA! I wish everyone a very happy Valentine’s day and hope that your loved ones express unconditional love in meaningful ways, as well as you do!

On our SacCatholicForum held at the Radisson Hotel on January 20, 2012, we had as speaker popular radio host Patrick Madrid, author of many books, on the topic “Why Be Catholic, when you could be anything else?” Day before I got a call from coordina

tor Ms. Michelle requesting me to come early to the venue to

help in the Registration table as more than 200 guests were expected, thus I was at the venue at 11am where there was already a long queue. Mr. Madrid shared his reasons on his happiness being Catholic in this best of times: Established

by Jesus Christ – Truth, Love, Right; ‘You are the light of the world (visibility); You are the Son of the Living God (with the keys of heaven); You are the Rock, Build the Church; Go into the world, baptize people, to the end of time; One, Holy, Universal, Sacramental; Holy Eucharist; the Blessed Virgin Mary as our Mother. He admonished everyone to Know What We Believe; Live by the Faith, Do not be Afraid to Act!

After the hectic holidays of Christmas, we had another lunch ‘surprise party’ at home to celebrate my Ate Nen’s birthday on Jan. 15. Her hubby took charge of the invitation, and happy that they all came: their children Maria and Tony with son Paolo and 2 guests, Ate Cel with family Rocely and daughters Alexa, Chloe, and Bela. We feasted on pancit, dinuguan with puto, duck, lechon, ham, salads, banana turon, cakes, etc.

Other highlights for the New Year:

· Evaluated / Explored new investments potentials: Opened new accounts with other banks to expand choices: opened savings accounts with Golden 1 and US Bank;

· Sent through FEDEX our Organ/Piano to Sarah in New Jersey for MAX to play with;

· After a week, I sent a package to Pinas for Gerry/Fairview Shipping containing our belated

holiday/ Valentine gifts. I was shocked to learn the shipping cost was USD 250.00 while the shipping cost to New Jersey for the organ was only USD20.00, which means it cost 10x as much for international compared to domestic shipping, even as the box was 20x smaller than the organ. However, I still proceeded with the shipping and hoped the recipients appreciated my effort. Anyway, they expressed thanks already for the goods sent.

· Resumed our Tuesday Bible Study classes; we are on Acts of the Apostles, very interesting period in our Christian history, discussions and sharing are always enlightening and fruitful!

· Movies recently watched include the following: Sherlock Holmes 2, Mission Impossible 3, The Iron Lady, One for the Money.

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