Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! I wish you had a Happy Memorial week-end. Let us pause to thank our heroes protecting our country and offer prayers for those who gave up lives for the cause, with hope for better years in the midst of scandal and tragedies besetting our nation.

In addition to my Adoration chapel commitments on Friday mornings, I resumed attending my monthly Friday Catholic Lunch Club on May 17 at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel with Mr. Ray Flynn as speaker. Mr. Flynn is former Mayor of Boston and Ambassador to the Vatican who developed close friendship with Pope John Paul II. During hi discussion, he took us behind the Scenes of the Recent Papal Election - the Cardinals gathered in Rome; the press speculated why it was taking so long to start the conclave to elect the new pope. But this was no ordinary election. For the first time in over 600 years a pope resigned, leaving the cardinals to convene a conclave while the former pope is still alive. This was new territory. Many Cardinals did not know each other well because Pope Benedict had appointed many new ones during his tenure. Getting to know each other, agreeing on Church priorities, and selecting the right man for the job created an intense, urgent, and yet thoughtful process of discernment, most of which was not part of the public arena. What actually went on? What are global implications?

As former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, he had a front row seat to the inner workings there. He focused on the personal stories behind the headlines and the implications for making thoughtful and values-based decisions, not only for the Vatican and the Catholic Church, but for all of us in our daily lives at a time when our culture is being attacked on many fronts. As three time mayor of Boston, All American college basketball player, professional basketball player, founder and president of Catholic Alliance and currently on the board of Conscience Cause, a non-profit, non-partisan, public policy advocacy organization of national leaders from various faiths united to secure and preserve our constitutional rights of conscience. Ambassador Flynn is uniquely qualified to share on a journey of discovery through his first hand stories of the inside workings of the Vatican, as well as his personal relationships with famous people such as John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Lech Walesa, Nelson Mandela, Frank Sinatra, Ted Williams and many more.

Ambassador Flynn, whose Irish heritage enhanced his rich story telling ability, is also co-author of a novel, The Accidental Pope, a fascinating story set in 2005, following the death of Pope John Paul II. When I asked if he was attending JPII’s canonization this October, he said Yes and will even broadcast live from the Vatican; looking forward to this exciting spiritual event!

On Mother’s Day, Sean treated me to a movie at Palladio, then lunch at Blue Nami where they presented roses for every lady guest – so classy/sweet of them! Then we had seafood dinner at home of lobster, calamari, and clams. When Sean shared some with his officemates the next day, got ‘social naman ng Mommy mo!’ comment.

Other highlights for the month:

·      Videos ordered and viewed:  There Be dragons (also one for Karen), For Greater Glory, and The Way.

·      On May 11, Deidre (who provided her hybrid to carpool), Maru, Dianne and I were invited to an open house of the Opus Dei Chestnut Center at 89 Hillcrest Road, Berkeley where I currently give my monthly apostolate/donation. I met numerares Percy Sison, architect Mia Ricafort and her mother (who was a co-retreatee at Trumbull 3 years ago.) The Center has 5-levels with similar features as in all OD Centers – wonderful!

·      Read the Book of Catholic Wisdom by Msgr. Charles Dollen; and still on the Video Catholicism by Fr. R. Barron in our Tuesday BS Group;

·      Movies watched:  the hit Reload Iron Man3 starring Robert Downey Jr.; The Big Wedding a hodge-podge of characters featuring veteran and new stars – with no real plot at all, poor storyline; Star Trek into Darkness 3. Starring Ralph Fienes – action-packed thriller, and Fast and Furious6 – featuring car-racing all over London with twists and turns on the plot; amazing how the 2 women brawled all over the screen.

     Attached are 4 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