Dear Friends: It has been a month since I first wrote you about our 450th Jubilee celebration. One week after, I sent another communication in case you missed the first one. I hope your CLCs are planning something… big or small. I thank God for the graciousness of Ichthys CLC in accepting the task of coordinating and leading the celebration. With them a steering committee has been formed. Mike Sy heads the committee. He will be communicating with you after this. Members of the “Barkada 450” are Joy Bautista, Ben Ong, Helen Tan,(all from Ichthys) Carol Tong (GIFT) with Chibu Nanagas, Jody Sim and myself assisting. I am sad to let you know that we, (the secretariat and I) did not receive any response from any other community or member of any region yet, except for the NCR LC, regarding their interest to take part. I hope this is not an indication of non-support. So, we go on. The Barkada 450 will be sending you a line-up of suggested activities which your local/regional community might want to do. There are only 3 things we strongly encourage you to do as part of the national community celebration: 1. Launch the 450th celebration--announce it--let everyone know--CLC, Jesuits and others this March 2013 or thereabouts. Spread the word! Spread the good news! 2. Join forces with your neighboring CLCs if there is no regional structure in an activity where you can invite other Ignatian lay communities from your area to celebrate with you. You may schedule this on your best date. 3. Have a fitting closing activity in March 2014. Watch out for more news on this. Let us join hands with the rest of the world community in giving thanks to God for the 450 years of Ignatian life and spirit. May Our Lady hold us forever in her heart. AMDG Bebs Sim (In behalf of the Barkada 450)