My name is Rebecca Ruiz. I hold a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross and an M.A. from Tufts University. I have worked as an ethnomusicologist, composer, in academia, and in diocesan refugee resettlement. I am also a retreat facilitator and spiritual director in the Ignatian Tradition. I am also a wife and mother of two wonderful boys. I love exploring all of the aspects of world cultures especially through music and cuisine.
I was educated by the Dominicans and Jesuits and have taken the Jesuit motto, “Ad majorem Dei gloriam” (for the greater glory of God) as my own. I strive, as St. Ignatius taught, “to see God in all things” and do all things for the greater glory of God.
I am a Catholic Christian. That is, I follow Jesus because I love his peaceful ways, how He walked in humility even though He was God, and how He always operated out of love – gentle and compassionate – in everything He did. I want to “see with the eyes of Christ” and “love with the heart of Christ.” I strive for my modus operandi to be like Jesus’ – I want to operate out of love – without judging, in humility, gentleness and compassion. And, I want to love like He did – unreservedly.
In the past few years, I’ve done a lot of walkin’ on my faith journey. It’s been an interesting journey and I’ve learned a lot from St. Ignatius, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Sales, St. Teresa of Avila, Padre Pio, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. John Paul II, and Mother Teresa. I also learn from living saints like Pope Francis who seems to be completely consistent in demonstrating, as St. Therese of Lisieux called it, “the Little Way.”
I hope you will walk along with me as I journey on…
Thank you so much for your God inspired wise words.
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind comments.
hi, i saw your write up from a Jesuit blog about the soundtrack of life….and I was really mulling about the Soundtrack of my life, as I will be celebrating my 59th soon and my 84 y.o. hubby ( Ignacio, July 31)…presently, he is in the States and I am here in the Philippines….but I shared your write up and the Servant Song and sent him a message….. @Ignacio Fabia, My darling, i found this and i was mulling about “soundtrack of my life” as we both celebrate our birthdays a week apart and then i realized that in the soundtrack of my life, there is you…. i am glad of this shared ( “soundtrack”) life with you as we are “singing and dancing” our life making it a “duet” song of service to Eternal Father we both praise, reverence, love and serve!
Thank you for your write up, what a wonderful thought to ponder and relish. God bless you!
stella fabia
Hi Stella,
Thanks for your message. I’m glad my piece spoke to you. AMDG!All the best to you and Ignacio!
Rebecca
I am spouse to a Jesuit educated, now a person with disability having suffered a stroke 11 years ago. My only son, Miguel also attended Ateneo de Manila a school run by the Jesuits. we are Ignatian in a way.
I am a member of a Catholic Covenant Community here in Vancouver BC. I got curious to understand the ethnomusicologist adjective you have.
My father is a pianist as a profession and wrote some gospel songs after being converted from Catholic to Baptist.
I was raised by my mother’s first cousin who never had a child. I therefore did not become a Baptist. but we are all Christian brothers and sisters so we are all commanded to live our lives to the greater glory of God.
it will be great if I get a reply from you….
luz lopezdee
Hi Rebecca, Your blog on dot.magis.com drew me to your site for which I thank God. Unlike you I am neither Catholic nor am I female but I don’t think God minds too much. In fact although brought up in the Anglican tradition I have been something of a “sleeper” for many years. However, late last year God called me to write a Christian devotional blog – at the age of 75 would you believe! I have a small following although what is important is to serve him faithfully rather than seeking success in great numbers. Like you I have been drawn to Ignatian spirituality which seems to have been the inspiration for my blog. I try to see God in all things and to do all things for the greater glory of God – easier said than done. Pax tecum
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your note and for reading. Your blog is great! It conveys a sense of peace (are those English gardens you have?) and reminds me of the “Finding God in all Things” FB site by Ignatius Press also. I think sharing about our faith journeys is so important. Each journey is as unique as each one of us. We are all approaching God on our own paths, in our own (or is it His?) time – but we all have the same wonderful destination! Peace to you!
Yes Rebecca I live with my wife about 35 miles to the east of London. Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog. I try to put something up each Monday if possible – it depends on what He wants me to say – very often different to what I expect! I have subscribed to your blog so will follow you as we walk together. Peace be with you.
I love English gardens – beautiful.
I just follow the promptings of the Spirit as well and often find what comes out is quite different from what I expected too. The Holy Spirit blows where He will! Peace!
Rebecca. As I do not have your email address may I use your site to wish you and your family a happy and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day. Thanks too for walking with me along my spiritual journey. A few weeks back I started the Spiritual Exercises (online at Creighton University). It is not easy, but I know that God will be there for me every step of the way. If you get a couple of seconds sometime I could use a prayer or two please. God bless you
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your kind wishes. Yes, I will definitely pray for you! That’s great that you are doing the Exercises online. I had forgotten about that resource – will have to check it out again. All the best to you as you journey on…
Rebecca
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your kind wishes. Yes, I will definitely pray for you! That’s great that you are doing the Exercises online. I had forgotten about that resource – will have to check it out again. All the best to you as you journey on…
Rebecca
Peter,
By the way, I really like your blog and reflections! Your reflections give me much food for thought too. Congratulations to you and your wife on your 54th anniversary!
Rebecca
Hello Rebecca. I really like your blog especially the one today about Divine intervention and trusting in the Lord. I live in Prince William county and have recently retired. I have an interest in refugee resettlement and would like to become more involved as a volunteer. Do you have any suggestions. Thank you. Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks so much for reading and for your comment. Congrats on your retirement! I would highly recommend volunteering in refugee resettlement. I will send you contact information for the Diocesan Resettlement office.
Peace,
Rebecca