Milena Morales, the Director of Human Resources for the Sisters of St.Dominic of Amityville, has been an associate of the Congregation for 18years.
“When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a nun, however, the only thingthat stopped me was that I didn’t want to wear the habit,” she said with alaugh. When she came to the United States, and started to work for theDominican Sisters, she realized she could become part of theCongregation as a lay person. “I decided to join. It was a blessing fromGod to give me the life opportunity to be part of a Congregation AND tobe married and have a family; HE gave me both!” Milena has threechildren: Mariana, Alejandro and Santiago as well as two stepsons,Jonathan and Daniel with her husband Olman.
Milena loves being an associate. “I love being part of a group ofamazing people who care and work hard to support and help others,” shesaid. “My heart always goes to the service of others, and thisCongregation provides that.”
The four pillars of Dominican life– prayer, study, community, andministry – support her faith. “I truly live the four pillars,” she said. “Prayer: Nothing is more powerful than prayer. As a Catholic, this is afundamental part of me, my background and being faithful to theGospel. Study: We must be open to learning something new every day. This Congregation gives me the opportunity as Director of HumanResources to continue learning and supporting our future together.
Community is that great feeling of belonging, and for sure, thisCongregation welcomes everyone with open arms. Ministry: I lovemission. I previously had served in ministries in my country and now inthe United States. I have been a catechist for more than 10 years servingin my parish St. Brigid’s, Westbury, NY. I have helped in my parishwith the Hispanic part of the bulletin, served in the chorus, and workedwith a group of lay people to help create the Saturday evening SpanishMass in my parish.” She also serves as treasurer of the Music ParentAssociation at her children’s school.
Milena serves the Congregation through her job and vocation of beingan Associate each day. “I love the Dominican Sisters and their mission,”she said. “They are pure love and caring human beings.”