Lucy and Casa Ricci

Written by Lucy Chang, who is in charge of Casa Ricci's correspondence in Spanish.

1 – Why did you come to Casa Ricci? What motivated you to embrace this work?

Before a friend of mine introduced me to this institution I had never heard of it. After that I was also introduced to a Spanish Jesuit called Fr. Ruiz, that had already been working in Macao and Mainland China for many years, bringing financial help to the poor lepers of many different places in China. Latter those donations were also used to help AIDS affected people.

I am motivated to do this work because I feel I can help other people.

2 – What is for you the most fulfilling aspect of your daily work in Casa Ricci?

What makes me feel more fulfilled is that, not being a native from this lovely place, I can nevertheless be useful in this center.

To give testimony of our faith in the middle of situations of great suffering and poverty. About the works of Fr. Ruiz in Mainland China I am responsible for the correspondence in Spanish, and for all the donations that we receive from Latin and central America. I am very consoled to see that so many people supports us and send money to help.

3 – An aspect that you consider difficult in your work with Casa Ricci. (Something that is a challenge for you)

The fact that I don’t know Chinese. Frankly speaking Chinese language with its dialects its very hard for me. I am not good in languages.

4 – An experience that you had in Casa Ricci and that has impressed you.

One thing that impresses me about Casa Ricci is that, in spite of having people from many different places, cultures and mentalities, we can come together for the sake of a common good and to help other people in need.

Lucy Chang

Our Casa Ricci

This text was written by Diana Leong who works in Casa Ricci’s office in Macau.

It has been already five years since I entered this big family of Casa Ricci. I feel that during these five years our work was always changing and improving, and I believe we are able to bring healthier life conditions and comfort to many people.

The most important part of my work is to keep contact with our benefactors. Every once in a while, I inform our benefactors about Fr. Ruiz’ mission, about the work that the staff of Casa Ricci is developing in China, and about the lives of the people we help. Sometimes I also receive letters from benefactors and friends, who also like to share about their lives with us, or to say hello to Fr. Ruiz and to the patients we help.

For me the most encouraging thing is to see that we receive help and donations from so many kind hearted people. We use this money to help the leprosy rehabilitation centers, to improve the medical assistance to leprosy patients, to build “children’s homes” and give the AIDS affected children a better environment, to help pay the studies and life expenses of children from poor families and allow them to receive education and care, etc…

As the saying goes: “many a little makes a mickle”, every little bit of help we receive from our benefactors is very precious to us. And here I am, as faithful member of this Casa Ricci family, promoting our mission and thanking all of you for your help towards the poor.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 )

Diana Leong