Amelia Santana, an active parishioner for 32 years at Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa Church in East Los Angeles, has been named as Mexican Mother of the Year 2007 by the Mexican Mother of the Year Association.
Her selection continues a tradition begun in 1951 by Consuelo De Bonzo, founder of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters Guild. The association's annual Mariachi Mass will be celebrated May 12, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Boyle Heights
A native of Guadalajara Ialisco, Mexico, Amelia is the daughter of Leopoldo Gutierrez and Emilia Venegas Ramirez. Her maternal grandfather was Antonio Venegas De La Torre, first cousin to Sister Maria de Jesus Sacramentado Venegas, founder of the Religious of the Sacred Heart in Guadalajara and the first Mexican saint, canonized by Pope John Paul II in May 2000.
As a child in Mexico, Amelia was educated by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. She earned a degree in accounting at age 15 and was employed in a large commercial warehouse where she was in charge of the inventory. There, she met Salvador Santana who was employed as a truck driver; they married in 1955, and over the next 16 years raised seven children: Maria de Jesus, Salvador Jr., Jose Antonio, Jose Ismael, Emilia, Yolanda and Maria del Rosario.
After 16 years of work in accounting and successfully running their own business, Salvador and Amelia made the difficult decision to seek better opportunities in the United States, which meant leaving their family while they established new careers and a home in Los Angeles. After two years they sent for their family which was once again reunited --- and continued to grow, with the births of Araceli, Eduardo and Roque.
In 1975 the Sanantas purchased their first home near Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa Church in Boyle Heights. They enrolled their brood in the parochial school and became active members of their church and school. Amelia's duties at home did not keep her from being an involved parent who participated in the yearly carnival, the school lunch program, the Neighborhood Watch and in neighborhood clean-up and beautification programs.
Salvador and Amelia operated a successful auto mechanic shop and established a thriving trucking business which they called Sal and Sons, operated by Sal Jr. and Jose Antonio.
In 1992 Salvador senior was diagnosed with diabetes and Parkinson's disease and lost his sight as a result. Amelia continued to manage the business and with loving compassion cared for her husband for 13 years. She was at his side when he passed away in January of 2005.
Friends describe Amelia as "the rock of strength and emotional support" to her ten children. A great believer in keeping youngsters off the streets and out of trouble, she has supervised her 18 grandchildren while their parents worked.
"My husband and I taught our children to be productive and to do the best at their studies and chosen work," she says, pointing with pride to the academic and professional accomplishments of her children.
Since her husband's death, Amelia continues to devote her time to her church and community, serving as a volunteer bookkeeper at Talpa Church where she can be found most weekends.
In announcing Amelia as the 2007 honoree, the Mexican Mother of the Year Association noted, "Her strong faith and love of God and her concern for the welfare of others has earned her the respect and love of family and friends. She gives them stability in the face of problems. She credits the Church and her faith in God for the courage to succeed in her work and as a good wife, mother and grandmother."
The May 12 Mass will be followed by a reception and luncheon in the parish hall. For ticket information and reservations call (626) 285.8852 or (323) 722-4275. |