“Start by doing what’s necessary;
then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
St. Francis of Assisi
An open mind.
A serving heart.
An Italian immigrant, a family man, a businessman and grocer, Frank Alesci was always spiritually inclined. He embraced God and religion, working hard and humbly to support his beloved family and actively follow his faith.
In his biography, titled The Spiritual Dream of the St. Francis Foundation, Frank details his personal journey. First, by hearing a divine voice directing him toward prayer and charity, “Frank, this is your life.” This message was followed by a dream-like vision. He saw himself leading the building of a large structure.
He awoke feeling like a different person.
And soon after, an inner voice urged him to “Get up and begin.”
A lifetime of dedication
Frank then dedicated his time and energy to making that dream a reality. As people questioned his motives for this great undertaking, he answered, “My dear friends, I am doing this because many people need it.”
That was the beginning of the Saint Francis Foundation and what would become his life’s work, the construction of Villa Serena.
A faithful servant
Frank honored saints and religious teachings not only in his actions, but in his writings and paintings as well. A selection of his artwork hangs in the offices and spaces within Villa Serena.
For more about his life, his legacy and the history of the Foundation:
