Minnie at 37

Today is Minnie Gabutina’s 37th birthday.

Minnie is Chief’s youngest and only sister. Still but “married” or rather devoted to her profession as a member of Opus Dei, she continues to give Chief and I hope and light as we pursue our chances for parenthood.

Years ago, she was based in Rome, Italy, where she lived, worked and studied for nearly 5 years. Unfortunately, by the time Chief and I made that visit to the Vatican City in December 2003, she had moved back to the Philippines. That was also the last Christmas Mass of the late Pope John Paul II.

But before she left Italy, she did ask Lisa Ocampo, a friend to meet us at St. Peter’s Basilica. . She did show us around the most famous cathedral in the world and also the sanctuary of Opus Dei. Now, Lisa teaches in U.P. and Minnie is head of Student Affiairs at the Amihan Technical School in Laguna.

Today, Minnie makes her presence felt with her students and community in San Pedro, Laguna. Their home-baked coffee crunch brownies are my favorites. 75 pesos for 9 pieces!

Happy birthday Minnie!