Encounter with Fr. Luis Ruiz S.J.

Written by Cecilia is a Casa Ricci's staff at our Macau office responsible for the HIV related program.

He was an ordinary man with a big heart and an angelic smile. His greatness was expressed in countless little acts of kindness. 

I still remember vividly my first “interview” with Fr. Luis which took place six years ago. He didn’t ask about my degree or about my working experience. He just had a friendly chat with me and at the end of our conversation, he simply said, “Come!”  That was all, just “come!”  He made me feel that I was wanted!

Fr. Luis was a quiet man, a man of few words.  Yet he was very observant and very sharp when it came to the essentials.  For instance, one time we were visiting a clinic in Vietnam.  The Director talked on and on about their work and activities.  Fr. Luis listened patiently but at one point he leaned over and whispered to me, “When he finished talking, ask him the following  “#1… , #2… and #3…”.  This was the first time that I experienced how smart and sharp Fr. Luis really was.

Fr. Luis’s engaging smile and sense of humor warmed our hearts!  A few yeas ago I was informed that Fr. Fernando would be absent for about two years to prepare for his final vows and also do some further studies. Naturally I felt some anxiety to have my boss away for such a long time.  One morning not long afterwards Fr. Luis came into the office and walked slowly by my desk, hand in hand, and said to me, “Don’t worry, I have talked with HIM (he pointed his finger upwards), I am not going anywhere during these two years.”  I looked at him and we both laughed. I was touched and grateful for his thoughtfulness.

Every so often Fr. Luis would call to ask for an update on our projects. I informed him of the progress and he would listen attentively and then ask questions. When I was away for a long while he showed that he missed me; “Well, here you are! You disappeared and now you re-appear!” I gave him a kiss on his forehead followed by a hug and said: “I am busy spending your money!” “Good!” he happily replied. Then we sat together and talked about the new projects. 

Fr. Luis was a delightful and adorable man!  However, I once saw him with a sort of sad look on his face - only once.  On that day he walked into the office with a gloomy expression. I was concerned and so I asked Fr. Fernando what was the matter with Fr. Luis. He replied with a smirk on his face, “Spain’s football team lost last night!” 

One winter Fr. Luis’s personal doctor wanted him to stay in the hospital for about a week to heal the sores on his feet.  But Fr. Luis was not willing to stay because the Chinese New Year was approaching.  I promised that if he agreed to stay in hospital I would bring him the newspaper, coffee and crackers daily. He smiled and agreed to stay.  See how easy he was!  One day, he put the newspapers on the bedside and said, “Are you free?”  “Yes!”  “Good, let’s talk!”

“What do you think of President Obama?”

“How about Hilary Clinton? Why….. “Our conversation went on for about an hour. This was the first time that I saw him so talkative, and I was surprised to find out that his interests were so broad.  Except, when he mentioned Afghanistan, I admitted that I didn’t know much about that country.  From that talk, I discovered how well read and knowledgeable he was.  And this was in spite of the fact that he did not talk much and did not express his opinions often.

The impression Fr. Luis gave me was one of total trust!  In all these years, he never questioned or doubted any decision that I made, not even once. When Fr. Fernando and I returned from our first trip to China and Fr. Fernando was informing Fr. Luis  all about our trip; Fr. Luis looked at my report and called out to me, “Good, just do it! Do not worry about money, I have plenty!” His encouragement and faith in God’s Providence has been with me ever since.

I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to get to know Fr. Luis and to work for him.  There is no doubt in my mind that Fr. Luis is thrilled that he got to heaven before all of us, (just look at his smile on the postcard) and I also know that he will continue to pray and watch over us from heaven! 

Cecilia (CRSS staff)