Valeria Morales, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook, is a Mexican American bilingual social worker hailing from Rutgers University who was recently selected as a participant in the Inaugural Institute of Contemplative Leadership at Mepkin Abbey, South Carolina.
This distinguished selection came about when Father Joseph Kerrigan, pastor, recognizing Valeria’s skills, dedication and faith, suggested she apply for the Institute. Valeria successfully underwent the application process and is now one of only 17 individuals chosen.
Among those, Valeria stands out as the sole Latino participant. Set to embark on the first week of Institute training in early January, she is poised to contribute a unique perspective to this transformative program.
Through her profession as a social worker, Valeria provides crucial mental health services support as an in-home counselor, particularly focusing on Latin American families grappling with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and stress disorders, often compounded by issues of poverty and immigration.
In addition to her professional vocation, Valeria is deeply involved in ministry services for her parish. Serving as a mentor for a youth group, she guides them in developing leadership skills to create positive impacts in their community. Valeria, along with her team, is actively collaborating with other parishes to organize a mental health fair for the upcoming year.
Previously, Valeria facilitated a women’s justice circle at her parish, leading an educational presentation on domestic violence, with a focus on immigrant victims. This collaborative effort with the local domestic violence response organization aims to establish healing circles for women who have experienced relationship trauma.
The Institute seeks to deepen the skills of lay contemplative leaders, fostering communities of individuals aspiring to live a more contemplative life. Participants will develop a Rule of Life, nurturing their ongoing spiritual growth.
What makes Valeria’s participation particularly noteworthy is the Institute’s special emphasis on reaching communities with limited resources and/or restricted access to contemplative teachings. Her participation underscores the Institute’s dedication to inclusivity and the cultivation of contemplative leadership across diverse backgrounds.
Addressing the challenges in the Hispanic community’s access to mental health services, Valeria emphasizes: “The role of spirituality as a critical protective factor for mental health wellness”. Her aim is to share contemplative practices within her community, fostering deeper relationships with God and instilling strength and resilience in those navigating mental health experiences.
Valeria shares her personal journey of returning to the Church, aiming to inspire youth and young adults, pointing out, “No matter how many steps you have taken away from God, it only takes one step to get back.”