The K of C International Family of the Year witnesses to the sanctity of marriage and the dignity of life
By Cecilia Engbert10/1/2023
Photo by Paul Haring
The Cabrera family is well known in their parish in Mooresville, Indiana, for doing everything together, whether it’s home schooling, helping out at K of C events, or praying outside abortion facilities. Daniel and Maria Cabrera are almost never seen without their six children — ages 16 to 2 — following close behind.
For Daniel, a member of St. Thomas More Council 7431 in Mooresville, it’s all about leading them to the most important place: “Our goal is to take our kids to heaven,” he said. “The only thing you can take with you to heaven is your kids. Cars, houses, money; everything else stays here.”
Even before Daniel joined the Order in 2018, Maria often took photos for the council, a role that first introduced her to the Knights. Now the whole Cabrera family helps with Council 7431’s barbeques and breakfasts and joins its monthly rosaries. The family has also helped plan celebrations for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, sharing Latin American traditions with their parish community. Maria grew up in Mexico; Daniel in El Salvador.
In 2014, the couple felt called to start their own online marriage and family life ministry for Hispanic parents. Drawing on their personal experiences, Daniel and Maria film videos about natural family planning, family finances and other topics, and share them on their Spanish-language website, “Daniel y Maria Online.”
The Cabrera family is also deeply rooted in pro-life advocacy. At age 26, several years before she met Daniel, Maria faced an unplanned pregnancy. Making the decision to give birth to her daughter Sara helped lead her back to God. These days, Maria and Daniel serve as facilitators of Rachel’s Vineyard retreats focused on post-abortion healing and work with Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Together with their children, they also regularly take part in 40 Days for Life vigils.
Winning the award was as unexpected as it was exciting for the Cabreras, and encouraged them in their witness of Catholic family life. “We’re just a family, an imperfect family, sharing the everyday activities that have to do with our faith and what we believe,” Maria said. “We feel very blessed.”
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