The Viva Francis Foundation is devoted to the growth and development of the Franciscan mission by assisting the Conventual Franciscan friars in their ministries. Through the years, generous gifts from those who have witnessed and worked with the friars have made it possible to support the students in formation and the older friars that now need more living assistance. Two of the student friars that have benefitted from the Foundation are seen below. Older friars, such as Fr. Alan Ramirez, Fr. Stephen Gross, Fr. Alphonse van Guilder, Fr. Thomas Hamilton and others are now in need of additional care and support in their retirement and the Foundation is here to assist financially. This is all accomplished through your generosity.
Friar Wayne Mulei (in second year of theological studies, Silver Springs MD)
Friar Joseph Vu (recently completed theological studies, Franciscan Institute of Thu Duc)
Listed below are some of the 2024 Foundation gifts to the Friars:
– June 2024: The Foundation was able to gift $50,000 to complete the repaving of the parking lots and driveway leading into the Novitiate in Arroyo Grande.
– 4Q 2024: Our fundraising appeal on behalf of the retired friars raised $15,690 to defray the rising cost of their care.
– 4Q 2024: The Foundation Board voted to pay the entire cost of tuition for the young friars of the Province who are in theological studies for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.
How you can support the work of the Viva Francis Foundation:
Today:
You can donate securely online at VivaFrancis.org or by mailing a check to:
Viva Francis Foundation
P.O. Box 518
Arroyo Grande, CA 93421-0518.
Tomorrow:
Consider making one-time gifts from an IRA via Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
Consider including the Viva Francis Foundation in your estate plan through bequests or beneficiary designations.
On behalf of the Friars and the Viva Francis Foundation, we are eternally grateful for any financial or prayerful support you can provide to help support the Community and their efforts.
Should you have additional questions, please email: info@vivafrancis.org
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