Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! Hope you all had a very happy Christmas and wishing you a more Blessed / Prosperous New Year 2016 (in a few hours)!

I am glad to share that I completed the 9-days Novena Masses for Christmas (consistent with our family tradition) to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. Thus, I am looking forward to all the Blessings for the New Year, much Thanks GOD!

Per tradition, the days leading up to Christmas were hectic, with parties here and there, shopping, services in the Church, since I had committed more time at the Adoration chapel (to sub for those who could not come during the morning hours). When Marge calls me up, I welcome the opportunity for mortification and more Blessings!

On our Opus Dei, I am happy that my friend Hanh finally attended our 2^nd Saturday Recollection for meditation, confession, and Mass. Since it was also the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, we had a double treat with the lively Mexican Maracas band / singers. The parish also conducted its Christmas raffle and sale of cookies, Christmas decors and goodies; such festive activities!

 

The largest gathering we had was the annual pot-luck ‘White Elephant’ party of friends and relatives of Jojo Inovero, held at the residence of Sylvia in Rancho Cordova. There were about 100 guests, started from 12 noon to sawa and the food was plentiful. Sean had maximum participation as his gifts had more than 10 steals; so much fun! Sean had so many parties to attend as he had many groups: at work in Calpers, his teaching at Folsom learning center, and his referee job at Mather Volleyball club. He is truly living his American dream!

 

Other highlights of the month:

·      I continuously serve as Eucharistic Minister (Eucharist or Precious Blood) twice a month. To prepare for worthiness to serve, I pray a lot, do fasting, and mortification. Please help me Lord!

·      Spent more time with Hanh, discussing / clarifying doctrine issues, keeping me at work, honing my apologetics; over Starbucks coffee; she gives me home-cooked Vietnamese / French meals which helps my weight lower as she’s fond of vegan food. Thus, I am on my toes to review the tenets of our faith, to be true and faithful to our Catholic teachings; Thanks God for this opportunity!

·      Movies watched: ‘Krampus’, foreshadowing un-Santa Claus, what happens when people loses the spirit of Christmas sharing; ‘Star Wars 7’ – The Force Awakens; we all know the story so well; my daughter Sarah even dressed up as princess Leah for the occasion; then the comedy ‘Daddy’s Home’ starring Mark Wahlberg and Will Farrell.

·      On Christmas day, I visited my friend who been experiencing some depression, as my apostolate. It was a nice experience  doing some kind works that day, consistent with what I read for that day; Thank you Lord!

·      Books read: Glorious Holy Spirit, Knowing Who You Are by Knowing Whose You Are, by Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.; Transforming your Life through the Eucharist, by John Kane; The Blessing of Christmas, by Pope Benedict XVI; The Little Way of Advent, by Fr. Gary Castor (Meditations in the Spirit of St. Therese of Lisiuox; Open Wide the Door to Christ, by S.C. Bela.

·      Received gifts of Leche Flan (Crème Brolay) from Ate Eve, and Marietta; also white puto from Tom, which I shared with Ate Nen’s family. 

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

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, as we thank GOD for the Blessings we continuously receive all the days of our lives by   members in our multi-located global family: in Pinas, New Jersey, and CA, USA! 

The first half of the month, we commemorated the feasts of all Saints including those of my parents (un-canonized, my saints nonetheless) and prayed for all the souls in purgatory, as part of our Church (Triumphant, Militant, and Suffering).

  On our Opus Dei, we formed a group / circle who goes out together for lunch after our Saturday Recollection, discovering new places, the latest is the Royal Kebab, where we enjoyed Mediterranean fare like humus, ground chicken kebab, salad, etc. Fr. Turlock continuously delivers wise advice / insights on virtues and holiness, and his penance absolutions always leaves you cleansed with clear conscience.

The 2^nd half month was spent preparing for the much awaited holidays, being with friends and shopping. Russel and Tess, with their 2 kids, hosted our Thanksgiving dinner, where I brought a Honey-baked Ham / Turkey for potluck. We had a reunion with couples Rey and Lina, Larry and Cindy, Mark and Sarah, Paul and Kim, and their respective kids. After dinner, all were on their way to the malls for the early discount shopping. Sean and I opted to go to Roseville Galleria which was full of people. Sean’s major purchase was a JBL soundbar and woofer entertainment set from Best Buy, in addition to our year-long supply from Bath and Body Works, Express, Macy’s, making use of 50% discounts.

Ate Eve and I watched a FIL-AM musical play ‘Giyera’ at the Lesher Theater in Walnut, CA (2-hr drive from SAC). The play was set during the Japanese occupation in Pinas. It was nice to see Fil-am youth showcase their talents and embrace our culture. Such a nostalgic evening in America, as I was impressed by my 85-yr young companion drove her car to the theatre. BTW, the showing was sponsored by the Tagbilaran North Calif. Association (TANOCAL); thus, got to meet some kababayans.

 

Other highlights of the month:

·      I continuously serve as Eucharistic Minister (Eucharist or Precious Blood) twice a month. To prepare for worthiness to serve, I pray a lot, do fasting, and mortification. Please help me Lord!

·      Spent more time with Hanh, discussing / clarifying doctrine issues, keeping me at work, honing my apologetics; over Starbucks coffee; she gives me home-cooked Vietnamese / French meals which helps my weight lower as she’s fond of vegan food. Thus, I am on my toes to review the tenets of our faith, to be true and faithful to our Catholic teachings; Thanks God for this opportunity!

·      Movies watched: ‘Bridge of Spies starring Tom Hanks, shot during the ‘cold war’ mostly in cold Germany; ‘Spectre’, the latest in the Bond series, allegedly the last by Daniel Craig; Hunger Games – Mocking Jay Part 2, an extended movie to gain more attention and box-office income;

·      I am also doing some apostolate to my friend who had been experiencing some depression due to some gullibility on personal relationship; nice feeling to use our wise  experiences to help others resolve their problems;

·      Books read: Called to Life, by Jacques Philippe, and Glorious Holy Spirit, Knowing Who You Are by Knowing Whose You Are, by Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.

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

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! The temperatures slowly fell to the fifties as we are transitioning towards winter, along with the bringing out of outfits for the layering season. Then too, the coming of the much-welcome rains; yey our lawns are turning green again!!!

October is dedicated as Our Lady of the Rosary month, and everyone is encouraged to say the daily Rosary; for me, I pray the 4 sets (glorious, joyful, luminous, sorrowful) daily, as part of my contemplative life in America, along with the Liturgy of the Hours. I am happy to share this devotion with the entire family as I always remind them that GOD rewards us for our Faithfulness and sincerity in our hearts – the Blessings keep pouring in! Sarah got a new job in the NJ area so she could be near Max, as she prayed for – GOD is so great!

On the health front, I got fully vested with all the benefits of the health care system in America for senior citizens, and I appreciate them very much, Thanks GOD! With the balance /combination of exercise, diet, and medication, I am motivated to reduce my weight by 15 pounds, LOL! Life is great. . .

Other highlights of the month:

·      I continuously serve as Eucharistic Minister (Eucharist or Precious Blood) twice a month. To prepare for worthiness to serve, I pray a lot, do fasting, and mortification. Please help me Lord!

·      Good news! On our weekly FSAC business update with Capt. G., he informed that our shipping Principal is giving four (4) additional new vessels for us to man: meaning, additional manpower employment, more people and families we could help. I always hope and pray that we can recruit more competent officers and crew for these international vessels: GOD, please send us more qualified seafarers, Thank You!!!

·      Had several pilgrimages to different churches for the month, like St. Rose and St. Claire in Roseville, went for the preventive maintenance of my BMW in Roseville, then went on my regular food shopping at Oriental; keep our home always clean to be ready for unexpected visitors to drop by; I am spending more time at the Adoration, especially when Marge calls me to sub for others who cannot make it to their committed schedule; it means more time communicating with the Lord;

·      My new convert friend Hanh had been very busy keeping me at work; following the Pope’s itinerary, she keeps on e-mailing me asking clarificatory queries on spiritual ceremonies which seemed new to her, and I have to respond within minutes, since I did not want to fail her.  She is very persistent, especially on meanings of terms, and my opinions on our faith. Thus, I am challenged to really think hard and review the tenets of our faith, to be true and faithful to our Catholic teachings,; Thanks God for this opportunity!

·      Movies watched: ‘The Martian’ starring Matt Damon ( 2nd movie wherein the USA spent millions to bring him home, after Saving Private Ryan; ‘PAN’, prequel to Peter Pan series; ‘Goosebumps, starring Jack Black; and ‘Bridge of Spies, a thriller featuring Tom Hanks;

·      I joined Sean’s monthly socializing group at Abe’s place in Excelsior drive where after dinner, ‘karaoke’ is featured. A colleague Marge encouraged me to keep on ‘singing’ to keep Gerry away. However, Gerry complained to Sean that his Mom had a concert for 2 hours already. Once in a while only, LOL!

·      Books read: God is Near Us, by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, and The Faith of our Fathers.

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

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! We are now the fall season with the morning cool breeze, midday warmth, then back to the evening breeze; bidding goodbye to the summer heat. I am still focused though, on my spiritual commitments, especially with Pope Francis’ recent USA visit.

September is Virgo month: Sarah’s birthday on September 7, while mine was September 20 – so much to Thank God for all the Blessings – good health, peace, joy, love always! As in past years, I went to an Opus Dei retreat for meaningful celebration of my natal day. Thus, when Pope Francis arrived, I was ready for reflective mood. Likewise, on our Epic Bible class, that week our Sir Claude also had his birthday, and Rose, Kaye and I took charge of snacks. Instead, we planned for a surprise party for Claude: pre=ordered cake with his name, sandwiches, fruits, salad, and Card. It was such fulfilling feeling organizing a Birthday party for another, forgetting about yourself: that was Love! Our class of 20 who signed on the card I prepared was so impressed, and everybody had fun!!! Nobody else knew it was my special day too.

I was focused on all the activities of the Pope as he went around Washington, New York, and Philadelphia: watching the beauty and splendor of the Masses and ceremonies. I am glad too that Sarah and Max participated in a fund-raising activity for Philippines children with Cardinal Luis Tagle in Pennsylvania, related to the Family conference. The week was so grace and spirit-filled. It was culminated with our attendance to doctrine class in Berkeley with Julie and Myra.

Other highlights of the month:

·      I continuously serve as Eucharistic Minister (Eucharist or Precious Blood) twice a month. To prepare for worthiness to serve, I pray a lot, do fasting, and mortification. Please help me Lord!

·      Good news! On our weekly FSAC business update with Capt. G., he informed that our shipping Principal is giving four (4) additional new vessels for us to man: meaning, additional manpower employment, more people and families we could help. I always hope and pray that we can recruit more competent officers and crew for these international vessels: GOD, please send us more qualified seafarers, Thank You!!!

·      Had the preventive maintenance of Sean’s Nissan Sentra at Roseville, then went on my regular food shopping at Oriental; keep our home always clean to be ready for unexpected visitors to drop by; I am spending more time at the Adoration, especially when Marge calls me to sub for others who cannot make it to their committed schedule; it means more time communicating with the Lord;

·      My new convert friend Hanh had been very busy keeping me at work; following the Pope’s itinerary, she keeps on e-mailing me asking clarificatory queries on spiritual ceremonies which seemed new to her, and I have to respond within minutes, since I did not want to fail her.  She is very persistent, especially on meanings of terms, and my opinions on our faith. Thus, I am challenged to really think hard and review the tenets of our faith, to be true and faithful to our Catholic teachings,; Thanks God for this opportunity!

·      Movies watched: ‘The Transporter’ starring Ed Kren; the movie was filmed in France / Europe, with the beautiful sceneries, followed by lunch at FAT’S Bistro; and ‘The Maze Runner 2’; followed by lunch at Romano’s Grill.

·      Books read: God is Near Us, by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, and The Faith of our Fathers.

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!