The residents at Villa Maria, an apartment complex for senior independent living, enjoyed a holiday luncheon on Dec. 17 thanks to Patsy Cantu, the manager of Villa Maria and a parishioner from Ss. Cyril Methodius Parish, who brought the community of residents together for fun and fellowship.
Cantu has been manager of Villa Maria for a year. She volunteers much of her own free time and money to make the residents feel they are not alone. They gather for movie night, featuring various Christian/ religious themed movies. Cantu also teaches craft classes, celebrates resident's birthdays and other important milestones in their lives.
According to Lynda Peña, daughter of one of the residents, Cantu has created a loving, involved community at Villa Maria. "Patsy Cantu is an amazing woman, although she is extremely humble.
"She has been instrumental in building community at Villa Maria--what was once just an apartment complex is now a living community. It's amazing what one joyful and faith filled person can accomplish! She has brought many smiles to the resident's faces over this past year," Peña said.
Others in attendance were Msgr. Lawrence White, pastor of Ss. Cyril and Methodius; Father David Bayardo, seminarian Eric Chapa and some parishioners from Ss. Cyril and Methodius. Entertainment was provided by the IceRays Crush Dancers who livened up the holiday atmosphere by dancing to holiday tunes, dressed as Santa Claus and elves.