Nuns end sponsorship of Viterbo, Mayo Franciscan

Franciscans founded both hospital and college in the 1800’s

The Franciscan Sisters of La Crosse are giving up active management of two local institutions that they started. 

The FSPA is ending its sponsorship of both Viterbo University and Mayo Franciscan Healthcare to concentrate on new priorities, including homelessness and human trafficking. 

Those moves are scheduled to take effect by the middle of next year, with the Vatican expected to give its approval. 

While Viterbo will remain a Catholic school, Mayo will now completely own the medical center on West Avenue. 

St. Francis merged with Skemp Clinic in 1995, and Mayo eventually became a partner at the La Crosse hospital.