When Melisa Villalobos’s husband and father of her eight children died of a heart attack four years ago, she wondered what God’s plan was for her and her children. There would be much hard work, tragedy, inspiration, perspiration and joy. As Villalobos said, “We have to pray a great deal and trust in Jesus.”
Parishioners at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Ardmore see Villalobos and her eight children –
ages 4 to 21 – every Sunday in the first row at Mass.
“Anyone who sees her in church should be inspired. She makes every effort for her and all her children to attend and actively participate in Mass,” Deacon Juan Jimenez said.
“Before she had transportation, we saw her every Sunday no matter the weather walk more than a mile to Mass each way. You can’t help but be impressed with anyone with that dedication to Christ.”
Gerald Johnson of Catholic Charities in Ardmore said the Villalobos family represents many families who are just above the “poverty line and guidelines” that keep them from receiving government assistance.
“Those families need prayers and support just as much as others do. Lent gives us a special time to explore and look inward at the acts of mercy. It gives us a special opportunity to help the local members of our community who have so much less than we have. We need to look inward and give outward,” Johnson said.
Catholic Charities and parishioners at Saint Mary have worked together to provide transportation and financial assistance for the family, and the Ardmore Fire Department donated car seats.
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.