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.
On our Catholic Lunch Club
on June 21 at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, our speaker was Paul O'Reilly, Ph.D., Vice President, Thomas Aquinas
College , on the topic: The New Evangelization in an Atheistic
Age. After introductions, he discussed the thesis of Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion, which had
been described as “the most coherent and devastating indictment of
religion” containing “lots of good, hard-hitting stuff about the imbecilities
of religious fanatics and frauds of all stripes." Dr. Paul O’Reilly exposed
fundamental errors about the relationship between science and faith
portrayed in the stated book. He focused on the
Fathers and Doctors of the Church – especially Saints Augustine and Thomas
Aquinas who anticipated today's atheists' contentions and
provided a resounding rebuttal. While largely unknown in the current
debate, they provide powerful arguments against the new atheism. The learning
from his presentation is an invaluable tool to engage in
the New Evangelization in this Year of Faith.
Dr. O’Reilly, one
of eight siblings, was born and raised in battle-torn Belfast, Northern
Ireland. Two of Paul’s uncles were murdered and their restaurant
destroyed by a bomb blast. One of Paul’s brothers was abducted and his
sister viciously attacked. Concerned that her children would be drawn
into a life of vengeance, Paul’s mother applied for and received refugee status
for her family in Canada. Seven months after the family immigrated
to Canada, she was tragically killed in an automobile accident, orphaning
Paul and his siblings. Heroically, an uncle and aunt, already the parents of
four, adopted the eight devastated children. Paul enrolled at Thomas
Aquinas College returning to teach there in 1989 after receiving his
Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Laval in Quebec. He also taught
at the Pontifical Institute in Beaverton, Oregon, Saint Anselm College and
Thomas More Institute.
I wanted to
socialize with some Aquinas College alumni who attended the lunch but had to
leave for a doctor’s appointment; my blood test results were okay. However, the
insurance insist that doctors do their responsibilities of monitoring
healthcare of patients, so there.
After
attending anticipated Mass on June 8, at home while doing chores, I tuned on
EWTN TV Mass from Alabama. The officiating priest welcomed co-celebrant ‘Fr.
Victor from the Philippines’ and the camera focused on our Fr. Victor of Bohol.
I immediately called Sean for validation. A week later, on June 15, Fr. Victor
visited us at our Erato home. He was so happy to know that someone saw him on global
TV, proof that I am a devoted watcher. While here, he played classics on our
piano; he visits us every time he’s in the U.S. His Bohol seminarians are
recipients of our monthly apostolate ever since.
Other highlights for the
month:
·
On June 14, our Opus Dei group had an early commemoration Mass to honor
St. Josemaria Escriva (feast on June 26) at 6:30PM, followed by potluck
gathering. I was assigned the collection and arrangement /preparation of the
dinner venue – successful attendance of regular families; appreciation and
thanks were elicited from attendees (including Percy’s group from Berkeley –
AED Berkeley Fund) for efforts –
well-balanced menu.
·
Read the Splendor of Truth by John Paul II; completed Video on
Catholicism by Fr. Robert Barron in our Tuesday BS Group; review Catechism of
the Catholic Church on some topics/issues;
·
Movies watched: Now You See Me,
featuring ensemble cast Jessie Isenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla
Fisher, among others; Man of Steel - prequel to Superman, starring Henry
Cavill, Rusell Crowe, Amy Adams, among others; World War Z, starring Brad Pitt
– thriller, good movie!
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
