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!