18
August 19, 2014
The Valley Catholic
coMMunity
Serra international convention attracts
attendees from u.S., world
By Audry L. Lynch
Serrans from 12 countries and 35
states attended the 72nd International
Convention of Serra International in
Sacramento, CA, July 10 - 13. They
heard Sean Yeo, President of Serra
International from Singapore, whose
topic was the “The State of Serra.”
Chairman Tim O’Neill said, “We
were delighted to have attendees from
all over the United States and around
the globe. Many came from the United
States and the over 40 countries which
have Serra Clubs. Members from Nigeria, Italy, Thailand, Canada, Mexico
and the Philippines attest to Serra’s
diversity.
Incoming President of Serra International, Dan Grady of Grand Rapids,
Michigan, introduced the new slate of
officers for 2014-2015. Bob Leach, Chairman of the Sacramento Committee,
announced, “We were pleased at the
large number of people who signed up
for the convention, one of the largest in
recent years, and amazed at the different places they came from.”
Many clergy were in attendance.
Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento celebrated the opening Mass. Chicago
Cardinal Francis George, Serra Episcopal Advisor, gave the keynote address.
Principal celebrant for the closing Mass
was Bishop David Walkowiak of Grand
Rapids, Michigan.
A key attraction at the convention
was the presence of three historians:
Professors Robert Senkewicz and Rose
Marie Beebe of the University of Santa
Santa Clara Serra Club hosts luncheon for
retired Religious
Clara, and Dr. Steve Hackel, Associate
Professor of History at UC Riverside.
A new book will be published soon
by Senkewicz and Beebe which will
present Blessed Serra from original
texts using his own words. Hackel’s
biography of Blessed Serra has been
described as well balanced. He was also
one of the curators at the Serra Exhibit
at the Huntington Library.
In as much as gain [