The trip to the Ricci Institute was just wonderful. There were a total of 12 people: Simon, Wenlan, David L., Thomas, Jade, Marcus, Tina, Anthony, and my family of four (my husband Christian, my children Leland and Alyssa).
Everyone was on time and Fr. Michel greeted us in front of the Ricci building at 10:30AM. Fr. Michel first gave us a short history about the Lone Moutain campus. Originally it was a women's college, owned by the Sisters of Sacred Heart. Later in mid-1850s, the land was sold to the Jesuit and later became a part of University of San Francisco.
For the next hour, Fr. Michel and Dr. Wu (the director of the Ricci Institute) gave us a brief but interesting history of how the Ricci got started and the purposes it served. We saw many precious books and artifacts detailing the missionary works that were done in China.
After the tour, Fr. Michel celebrated a mass at the "silver room." Everyone participated; Jade and I planned the liturgy; Tina and Simon did the readings; Wenlan prepared the prayers of the faithfull; and Thomas led the singing. During communion, Fr. Michel passed the bread to everyone, even to Anthony, Leland, Alyssa who have not received the Sacrament of Communion. For the three of them, Fr. Michel gave them each a non-consecrated bread. For doing so, all of us participated in the communion process. It 'family-style" mass was truly a very special experience. My children felt especially lucky because it was their first time 'holding and tasting their own bread."
Thank you, Fr. Michel!
