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