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!