FOR THE ZAPIEN FAMILY, active parishioners of the Diocese of Orange for over two decades, fortaleza (strength) embodies not only their guiding principle but also the unwavering power of their faith.
Alma Zapien, the eldest of three children of Luis and Patty, profoundly understands how their collective faith strengthens them as a unit. Since their arrival in the U.S. in 1999, when Alma was seven, the family has been dedicated to La Purísima Catholic Church in Orange.
Alma’s faith has guided her community service since she was 13; she has led the choir and participated in the parish council, the Hispanic committee and the liturgy council. She also founded the Children’s Choir at La Purísima, which “through God’s grace flourished into a group of more than 80 children, bearing abundant fruits for the parish.”
The family’s journey began in Sahuayo, Mexico, where they were deeply involved in their church and community. Luis, a chef, regularly shared leftover food with the elderly. Alma’s childhood memories include visits to the convent where religious sisters cared for the elderly.
The children were raised to be resilient, understanding that “the things we do are not because of our own strength but God’s strength,” as Alma recalled. During her childhood, Luis often worked two jobs, sometimes for 18 hours a day. Mondays were his days off, and Alma cherishes their tradition of going to McDonald’s. She particularly remembers his boundless energy and his willingness to engage with his children. Even in adulthood, “he always had the energy and interest in talking to us, taking us out and sharing stories of his life in Mexico,” Alma said.
ALMA BRINGS THE FINISHED COPY OF HER BOOK TO SHOW HER DAD AT HOLY SEPULCHER CEMETERY IN ORANGE. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALMA ZAPIEN
Luis’s tireless dedication to his family was a demonstration of “the strength that God gives, fortaleza,” Alma explained. Despite the numerous challenges the family faced over the years, Alma affirmed that her father’s heart remained pure. He instilled in his children the belief that “in all circumstances you give thanks to God.”
THE INSPIRATION FOR A BOOK
Alma’s goal through her writing and service is to inspire the next generation to cherish their faith, family and culture. As she matured, she grew to appreciate her parents’ sacrifices even more. She cared for her father during his battle with diabetes, always seeking the perfect Father’s Day gift to express her love. Initially, Alma considered creating a cookbook of his recipes, but hesitated, fearing she might not do them justice. Later, while reviewing old schoolwork, she rediscovered a poem she had written for her parents when she was in seventh grade. Alma realized the profound significance of the poem, seeing it as a heartfelt thank-you to her parents for the life they provided by migrating to the U.S. The poem’s message resonated more deeply than ever, giving her immense appreciation for their sacrifices.
She embarked on writing “what I hoped would be a gift for my father—a poem turned children’s book—so that he would know how much we loved him, admired him and appreciated his sacrifices for us.”
Sadly, Luis passed away in September 2024.
“Mariposa de Mi Corazón / Butterfly of My Heart is not only dedicated to my dad, but to all immigrant parents who leave behind family, friends and home in search of a better life for their children—always keeping God at the center. It is also dedicated to parents everywhere who may not migrate physically, but who make daily, quiet sacrifices for the good of their children.”
The book targets young adults, particularly first-, second- and third-generation migrants.
“We have a lot of privilege that our parents didn’t have,” she noted.
GRIEF, GOD’S TIMING, AND A MESSAGE OF HOPE
One year after her father’s passing, Alma received the news that her book had been accepted and published, a testament to God’s perfect timing. While her father did not live to see the final product, Alma finds comfort in the belief that her book and its message can offer solace to many experiencing difficult times. In the current immigration climate, Alma hopes people will “ask God for strength,” emphasizing that “now more than ever, your faith matters and can be the only inheritance you have.”
Alma firmly believes that how we live our faith as parents can engrave the hearts of our children.
“Our kids are watching now more than ever,” she said. “There are so many small sacrifices that don’t go unseen. The kids see the struggle and sacrifice and it’s worth it.”
The book is a three-in-one edition, written in both English and Spanish. Alma describes herself as “following her parents’ example, not living her faith individually.” Ten percent of book sales will be donated to organizations assisting immigrant families detained by ICE.
“We always need to serve; if not, we aren’t fulfilling our Catholic duties, it’s rooted in who we are,” said Alma. When asked what message she hopes readers take from Mariposa de Mi Corazón, Alma replied, “Seek God first. You’re not alone, every sacrifice is seen and heard by God. Family is fortaleza, we couldn’t do life without family and community.”