Warm greetings to all my friends,

Hello, how have you been coping with the summer heat? This year, with the energy crisis hovering above us Californians, turning on the air conditioning is becoming a luxury for many people. Not only that, with the rising cost of gasoline everywhere, people are beginning to make less travel plans. Although these shortages are quite inconvenient, somehow, in a strange way, I think there’s a positive aspect to it. For me, these shortages force me to think more carefully before I act. I’ve learned to bear a little more heat instead of just switching to the "cool" button on the thermostat. On warmer days, I’ve learned to make quick, simple meals and eat dinner outside in the back yard. Our whole family actually enjoys eating outdoor, being closer to nature. With the gasoline cost so high, I’ve learned to think twice before I drive to the mall and do any "needless" shopping. So, along with the energy crisis, I’m beginning to grow more appreciative of the usual comforts that we were so accustomed to have every day - water, gasoline, electricity, food, clean air, etc... I think that the energy shortage is actually helping me to live closer to the meaning of being "poor in spirit"... and this is good, because Jesus said: "blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom shall be theirs" (Mt. 5:3).

Dear friends, I know that in our lives, there will always be things that disturb us or cause inconveniences for us. These things are unavoidable, but if we can just learn to make the best out of the situation and still be grateful for the good things that we do have, then we’ll become better human beings through those "inconveniences" of life.

In this month’s journey, I like to introduce to you a brief story of Saint Maria Goretti. Her feast day is July 06 and she’s the patron saint of all youth and all victims of rape. Although she died at the age of 12, her example of living the true faith is timeless. I hope you enjoy reading about her. May St. Maria Goretti pray for all of us, especially for the youth so that we all will maintain purity of heart always.

Until we meet again, may you remain in God’s embrace,

Tess Nguyen

*Smile, God loves you!

There really isn't much to tell about St. Maria Goretti because she died when she was 12 years old.

Born in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy, on October 16 1890; her farmworker father moved his family to Ferrier di Conca, near Anzio. Her father died of malaria and her mother had to struggle to feed her children.

In 1902 an eighteen-year-old neighbor, Alexander, grabbed her from her steps and tried to rape her. When Maria said that she would rather died than submit, Alexander began stabbing her with a knife. As she lay in the hospital, she forgave Alexander before she died. Her death didn't end her forgiveness, however. Alexander was captured and sentenced to thirty years. He was unrepentant until he had a dream that he was in a garden. Maria was there and gave him flowers. When he woke, he was a changed man, repenting of his crime and living a reformed life. When he was released after 27 years he went directly to Maria's mother to beg her forgiveness, which she gave. "If my daughter can forgive him, who am I to withold forgiveness," she said.

When Maria was declared a saint in 1950, Alexander was there in the St. Peter's crowd to celebrate her canonization. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 for her purity as model for youth. She is called a martyr because she fought against Alexander's attempts at sexual assault. However, the most important aspect of her story is her forgiveness of her attacker -- her concern for her enemy extending even beyond death. Her feast day is July 6. St. Maria Goretti is the patroness of youth and for the victims of rape.