November 17, 1986

Professor Carlos Chagas
Pontifical Academy of Sciences
Cssina Pi0 IV
Vatican City
ROkIE

Dear Carlos:

It is difficult to find a way to say thank you in a way that will properly

express my reactions to the wonderful stay in Rome and the Vatican. I am of
course deeply grateful for the honor that you and the Pope and the other mentbers
of the Academy gave to me.
Academy of much more significance than the honor itself.  Your leadership, which
is unique in many aspects, makes the Academy an extraordinary body, one that
uses its privileges to exemplify the way8 that scientists can contribute posi-
tively to the world and its peoples, You have also made the Academy a scientifi-
cally stimulating experience,
would receive the kind of broad scientific informtion that we almost never
encounter in other forums, I cam away understanding more about what is going
on in astronomy, chemistry, earth sciences and ecology, for exanple, than 1 have
understood in a long time. Your leadership also assured that all of the substsn-
tive discussions would proceed in en atmosphere of cordiality and friendship.
This achievement was especially remarkable given the extraordinary diversity of
the members with regard to country, religion, age and scientific interests,

But more than that, you made membinrahip in the

The selection of lecturers assured that all of us

  I promised to write down what I had tried to say during the final diecus-
sioa of the meeting. The result of that attempt is attached to this letter. If
you think it inaccurate, or would like to have it revised, please let me know.

  Finally, there are personal thanks for the hospitality of the Academy to my
family, My father, especially, had a remarkable time, one of the moat: memorable
times oE his life, Knowing you, I know that you can appreciate what the exper-
ience meant to him.  Me grew up as the eldest of nine children of immigrants to
the United States, His parents spoke little gnglish, and his father worked ils a
tailor, as did 80 man9 Jewieh immigrants to the United States in the early years
of the 20th century,  They were vary poor and as the eldest, my father vas the
OD& responsible for seeing that hie brothers and sisters were educated and
trained. I don't suppose he ever imagined that he would be preeeat to see the
Pope honor his daughter, and at a magnificent audience,  in one of tho must
beautiful rooms in the world.  The only thing that I have to worry about now is
that his friends will grow impatient with hearing constantly about his trip to
the Vatican.

With very varmset regards to you and to Anna.

Sincerely yours,

Maxine Singer