Alma Moreno & Gabriel Corona. DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Owners, Los Padres Mexican Food

Edina
Age: Corona, 44; Moreno, 40
Parish: Sts. Joachim and Anne, Shakopee
Spouse: One another!
Children: Claudia, 22; Sergio, 19; Emiliano, 18; Gaby, 17; Magdalena, 8
Number of years with company: 4

Sharing the faith with customers and employees in their restaurant in word and deed, with religious statues and artwork gracing the walls, Gabriel Corona and Alma Moreno make evangelization part of their work. They also volunteer in parish activities and service, such as ushering at Spanish and bilingual Masses, serving as sacristans and helping with events. Their children have been altar servers, and they have volunteered at parish food sales, events and youth gatherings.

Q Describe your business.

A Small, family, over-the-counter restaurant.

Q Describe your position and role.

A Owners. We do everything — cook, prep, clean.

Q What does “leading with faith” mean to you?

A Putting God first in our daily lives and talking about our faith with other people.

Q How do you concretely apply your faith and Catholic values at work?

A By having Christ on the cross and the Virgen de Guadalupe statue visible, Our Father in Latin on the wall, Catholic radio on in the kitchen and listening to daily Mass during work. Talking about and inviting people to Mass, evangelizing.

Q Please tell a story about a time when living out your faith at work really made a difference.

A Many times talking to people at work makes people aware that we are Catholics. Many of our customers have asked us to pray for a family member who is sick, in the hospital or having a procedure done. But, in particular, one lady who helped us in the kitchen needed love and support one day. Her son had just told her that he had a brain tumor and was having surgery soon. She was very emotional, and scared for her son. After talking to her about Jesus and us telling her we would pray for her son, she felt a lot better. We offered her our help and prayers for her and her son. He came out of the surgery in good health. We still keep praying for him as he continues with surgeries. She has faith that whatever happens is God’s will.

Q Who or what has inspired you to bring your faith to the “marketplace?”

A Nowadays people need to see more of God. It’s our way of letting people know that all (is) with God. We are proud to have him be our guide in this world.

Q What achievement at work are you most proud of?

A Bringing people here for a meal, seeing families and friends pray over the food. Seeing priests come over to eat and bring the seminarians, friends and family.

Q In what specific ways have you experienced God’s presence in your workplace?

A When the restaurant first opened, on multiple occasions homeless people showed up asking for a meal. For us that was a sign from God. He was sending us Jesus to feed him.

Q What advice do you have for others who want to lead with faith?

A Do not be afraid to show your faith.