Once again, and as is customary at this time of year, the volunteers of the Social Action Board of the CARF Foundation are organizing their traditional charity market to raise funds for the comprehensive training of seminarians and diocesan priests, and of religious men and women from all over the world.

The 29th edition of the charity market will be held from November 11th to 15th at the premises of the San Luis de los Franceses parish (Calle Padilla, 9. 28006 Madrid) with uninterrupted opening hours from 11 am to 9 pm.

More than one hundred collaborators

More than one hundred supporters have donated furniture, clothing, and household goods this year to the CARF Foundation’s Charity Market. Behind the carefully arranged items on each table—dishes, tablecloths, paintings, lamps, furniture, books, outerwear, and vintage clothing—there is much more than material possessions: there are stories of generosity, affection, and faith. The market has become a must-visit for those looking to prepare Christmas gifts and find real bargains.

Carmen Ortega, one of the presidents of the CARF Foundation’s Social Action Board, explains it with a mixture of gratitude and amazement. “This year we’ve surpassed one hundred collaborators contributing everything they could. People who, without hesitation, have opened their homes and their hearts to donate the best they had. Some bring us objects with history, family heirlooms that are hard to part with, but they do so with a smile, knowing that their gesture will serve a greater purpose.”

This year they have received two very special donations: on the one hand, some beautiful Manila shawls that never go out of style, and on the other, an antique statue of Saint Teresa from a collaborator:  “She told us that it belonged to her mother, that she was very fond of it. And that, for the formation of the seminarians and diocesan priests, parting with the statue was worthwhile,” says Carmen.

Each donation is an act of sincere love. “We are touched by the messages that accompany the items when they are sent to us. They tell us: ‘For the formation of priests, anything is possible'”, says Ortega.

The backpack of sacred vessels of each seminarian

The PAS volunteers dedicate the funds raised to the formation of seminarians and priests worldwide. But above all, they help cover the cost of the backpacks containing the sacred vessels that are given to each seminarian who completes his formation in Rome and Pamplona, ​​upon their return to their home countries. “The backpack is a gift from the PAS that the young men eagerly anticipate so they can celebrate Mass in a dignified manner, even without resources, anywhere in the world,” explains Carmen.

Ángel David Álvarez Ramírez, from Mexico,  is one of these seminarians who will receive the sacred vessels kit upon graduation. Originally from the Diocese of Tabasco, he has come to the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra to prepare for his ordination. He resides at the Bidasoa International Seminary.

His story is one of conversion and hope, of how God can transform a family far from faith into a home of communion with Christ. “Seeing my parents return to the faith was the seed of the vocation that God planted in me, and He continues to nurture it every day,” says Ángel David. Here you can read his testimony:  From atheism to a life of dedication.

Support for vocations

That’s why every item of clothing sold or every piece of furniture that finds a new home becomes tangible help that supports the vocations that will bring comfort and faith to places where resources are scarce. “Many visitors are very moved when they learn what the funds raised are used for,” Carmen adds.

Carmen Ortega insists that the 29th CARF Foundation market is more than just a charity event: “It’s an opportunity to share, to remember that we all have something to offer, even things we no longer use. Every donated item is a seed of hope.”

A summary to share

What:  29th edition of the Charity Market.

Organized by:  PAS Volunteers of the CARF Foundation.

When : From November 11 to 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where:  Parish premises of San Luis de los Franceses. Padilla, 9. 28006 Madrid.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/rB9cRpjvWVpPsSwL7

About :

The CARF Foundation was born on February 14, 1989, inspired by Saint John Paul II and driven by Blessed Álvaro del Portillo, with three aims: to pray for priestly vocations; to promote the good name of priests throughout the world; and to help in the integral formation of seminarians and diocesan priests and religious men and women to better serve the Church throughout the world.

From its inception to the present day, thanks to the support of its benefactors and friends, the CARF Foundation has funded scholarships for nearly 30,000 students from low-income families in 130 countries to enhance their intellectual, human, and spiritual formation at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome and at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra in Pamplona. Among them are 129 students who have been ordained bishops and four who have been created cardinals.