AVE MARIA CATHOLIC CHURCH


JANUARY 31, 2026
Honoring Manuel & Kenia Milanés

Manuel & Kenia Milanés
Fleeing from the political turmoil of Cuba, Manuel moved to the Dominican Republic and started a business. He did not know that while in the Dominican Republic, he was going to find the love of his heart, Kenia. Years later, they moved to the United States and grew their business in Florida. In 2017, Manuel and Kenia discovered Ave Maria town. They fell in love with its Catholic spirit, and moved here with their two children, Manuel and America.
On August 22, 2024, a loud noise was heard outside their home. A mother and her young children were in danger, being threatened by a man with a gun! After fleeing from the man from another town, the mother and the man had crashed their cars in front of Manuel’s house. It would have been easy to stay safely inside, but Manuel took the role of the Good Samaritan and courageously intervened, saving the lives of the mother and her children. During the confrontation, Manuel was shot in the left shoulder. At the hospital, Kenia continued praying during Manuel’s surgery and thanked God on her knees when she knew the surgery for his serious injury was successful. It was a miracle!
Ave Maria Parish is honored to celebrate Manuel’s heroic act and the Milanés’ family journey of faith!
Our 2025 Hometown Heroes Sponsors:

ARCHANGEL SPONSORS
Dcn. John & Faith Jarvis
LaMothe Family
Marta Valle, PA – Realty One Group MVP
Transformed Marriages
SERAPHIM SPONSOR
Pulte Family Charitable Foundation
CHERUBIM SPONSORS
CC Homes
First Foundation Bank
Mass of the Ages
The Secret Ingredient
TK Software & Dream Homes by Vivian
Rick & Linda Tsoumas
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