Dear Loved Ones,
Pleasant
Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! In the middle of the Lenten season, I am focused
on meaningful spiritual activities – mortification, readings, self-denials –
aimed at closer relationship with God, especially on the current shake in the
Petrine chair with Pope Benedict VVI’s renunciation and coming Conclave; we
pray all for God’s Glory!!! Pope Benedict timed his announcement on the season
of Lent to allow us to meditate, reflect and find meaning, according to the Paschal
mysteries / triduum of our Faith. Ash Wednesday was celebrated with deeper
reflection and piety. I was in tears as the Pope’s helicopter took off for
Castelgandolfo. Much Thanks and God Bless, Pope Emeritus!!!
Sean surprised me with a
yellow-green orchid flower plant on Valentine’s evening – so thoughtful and
loving; in addition to the many greetings received during the day; Love was
truly on the air!
I resumed my attendance to
our SAC Catholic Lunch Forum at the Red Lion – Woodlake Hotel on Feb. 15, 2013,
with Fr. Mark Richards as speaker. He is Canon Lawyer, Tribunal for Diocese of
Sacramento, Chancellor, Pastor, and Vocation Director. He discussed the topic
‘Annulment: The Myth vs. The Reality’. While Marriage is indissoluble, there
are exceptions, like incest (between relatives) and few cases, such as mixed
Faith and others, undergoing the tedious process of Annulment, which usually
last 10 months to 2 years. He presented several grounds for annulment like
Fraud, gunpoint / forced / deceived marriage, simulated, 3rd party
situations. He went over the process: submission of 4-page info to the
Tribunal, submit testimony in 3 weeks, review by expert / psychiatrist,
decision by Judge (beyond reasonable doubt, moral certitude) Then it goes to
the Appeals Court / 2nd Instance. It undergoes Spot Checks; Then
Case is concluded: Deed of Execution: Restrictions / Warnings. Fr. Mark advised
that until the final Deed of Execution is released, parties should not set a
Wedding Date for another party wedding!
One exciting activity we
did on President’s day week-end was shopping for Sean’s new car to replace his
gas-guzzler Jeep. We started early on Saturday to Roseville automall. Earlier,
I did my internet research on the most fuel-efficient (mi/gal) vehicles, so I
narrowed down choices to at least 4 alternatives. The next criterion was the
one who could give us the best price for our trade-in. Sean tried test-driving
several models. Although we agreed to go for the basic features – aircon,
automatic, anti-theft, Sean opted to get the highest end state-of-art Nissan SR
with keyless operation featuring - touch screen GPS, CD/radio, sun-roof,
spoiler trims, anti-theft, among others. Keyless means you just keep the key in
your pocket, and you can open/close car doors, start/stop ignition, drive, and
operate anything – so amazing! It has been 2 weeks running and Sean goes for an
average 40mpg – true to its hype.
Other highlights for the
month:
·
Books read include: Discernment:
Acquiring the Heart of God, a tour de force of the spiritual life, by Marko
Ivan Rupnik, S.J.; consistency in our relationship with God – Father, Son and
Holy Spirit – in our thinking, feeling, willing, acting; and The Lamb’s Supper:
The Mass as Heaven on Earth, by Dr. Scott Hahn;
·
Movies watched: Beautiful Creatures, featuring many British performers –
a must see entertaining movie; and Safe Haven, a Nick Sparks love story,
starring Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough;
·
Renewed my attendance to our Bible Study group where we are discussing
Book of Revelation – events and truths revealed, not commands meant to scare
us, but to raise our awareness of rewards and consequences for our
actions/decisions, given that we have free WILL as children of God!
Attached are 3 photos with family and friends. 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
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