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!
