The Founders
Asis and Michelle Lopez are a living witness to a marriage rooted in Christ’s love and His call to mission. Their faith has been the source of strength and grace as they’ve endured the heartbreaking loss of four children — two held only in the womb, and two cradled in their arms for a brief but precious time. Through it all, they have remained steadfast in hope, discovering God’s goodness and joy even in the mystery of suffering.
With each child, they celebrated the gift of life — unique and unrepeatable — treasuring every Momentico with gratitude and deep trust in the Father’s plan. Over time, they have learned to let hope reign in their hearts, allowing it to shape their relationships, their trials, and their journey — always with a spirit of awe and wonder, confident that the Lord desires to reveal Himself anew in every moment.
The Lopez family lives in Miami, FL, and are approaching eight years of marriage. They are the proud parents of four saints in heaven and one joyful daughter on earth, Avila Marie.
View full bios below
Where did “los momenticos” come from?
How Los Momenticos Began
Since early 2018, our family has spent time in the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital ICU with two of our sons — Asis Gabriel and John-Paul. Asis Gabriel passed away at just six weeks old, and John-Paul at two and a half years. These experiences have been filled with both deep sorrow and profound grace. While the hospital is a place of healing and hope, it can also be a place of heartbreak — especially for families holding onto faith in the midst of suffering.
To mark John-Paul’s first birthday, we felt called to give back to the place that had cared for him with such love. We began by offering care packages to fellow Catholic families — small gifts of comfort, strength, and encouragement for those enduring long days and difficult nights in the hospital.
After John-Paul’s passing in 2024, we knew this mission was meant to continue. In his honor, we’ve expanded our efforts to not only support families spiritually, but also to provide thoughtful gestures of appreciation to the incredible ICU staff who give so much of themselves every day.
“Los Momenticos” was a phrase used often by Asis’ late father, who passed away from cancer at the age of 58. He used it to draw people back into the present moment — encouraging them to treasure it, no matter the circumstances, because God was present and the moment unrepeatable. Asis and Michelle embraced this rule of life as they began to face the great suffering of caring for — and ultimately losing — their children.
This project is our way of sharing light in a place where it’s often most needed — and of honoring the lives and legacies of our sons through faith, love, and service.
Michelle Ducker Lopez
Michelle Ducker Lopez holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from the Augustine Institute, along with certifications in Theology of the Body (TOBI) and Spiritual Direction. For over 17 years, she has served in the Church’s mission of evangelization, accompanying others in their faith journeys through both college and parish ministry. Her passion lies in helping people encounter Jesus Christ in a personal, transformative way and empowering them to live as intentional disciples in the world.
Michelle currently serves as the Director of Evangelization at St. Augustine Church & Catholic Student Center at the University of Miami. Her work blends theological depth with pastoral care, aiming to create a culture where faith becomes lived experience — especially for young adults navigating an often complex and secular world.
Beyond her professional ministry, Michelle is a speaker and retreat leader who brings warmth, wisdom, and vulnerability to every setting. Whether walking with individuals in spiritual direction, teaching at a local prison, or building parish initiatives, she carries a deep conviction that the Gospel still has the power to heal, restore, and send us out in joy.
Asis Lopez
Asis Lopez earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Florida International University and spent seven years in the fitness industry before moving into commercial real estate. After several years in the business world, Asis experienced a powerful reawakening of his Catholic faith, which led him to serve as Associate Director of Campus Ministry at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. There, he also taught theology to students in 7th, 9th, and 12th grade, helping form young men both spiritually and intellectually.
Today, Asis serves the people of Miami-Dade County as a firefighter and paramedic with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. His passion for service extends far beyond the firehouse — he has been deeply involved in prison ministry, parish men’s formation, marriage enrichment, and foreign mission work in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Asis is driven by a desire to live out his faith through meaningful action, always seeking to be a witness to Christ’s love in both everyday moments and extraordinary circumstances.
Follow us to view our instagram for the full story and sharing of Los Momenticos over the years.
Our Core Values
-
Faith (Catholic Identity)
Los Momenticos Foundation is rooted in Catholic faith, drawing strength from its spiritual foundation to guide its mission of serving families facing medical crises. Faith is not just a belief but a way of accompanying families, offering them the sacramental, emotional, and communal support they need. The organization remains open to serving Christian families beyond the Catholic faith, but its identity is distinctly Catholic, reflected in the prayerful presence, resources, and spiritual companionship offered.
-
Hope (Providing Encouragement to Families)
Hope is at the heart of Los Momenticos, inspiring families to find light in the darkest moments of their child’s hospitalization. Through care packages, accompaniment, and personal connection, the organization seeks to uplift families, offering them not only tangible comfort but also spiritual and emotional reassurance. Hope means reminding families that they are not alone, that God is present even in suffering, and that every moment, even in hardship, is worth cherishing.
-
Community (Creating Connections Among Families)
More than just providing assistance, Los Momenticos is about building a community of support and faith. The foundation connects families who have walked similar journeys, creating a network of strength, solidarity, and shared experience. Whether through chaplain partnerships, hospital outreach, or future support groups, the goal is to foster relationships that extend beyond a single moment of need, ensuring that no parent feels isolated in their struggle.
-
Authenticity & Vulnerability (Sharing Personal Experiences)
Los Momenticos was born from the real-life experiences of its founders, who faced the unimaginable loss and challenges of having a critically ill child. This value reflects the organization's commitment to honesty, openness, and genuine compassion. It means showing up with real stories, real emotions, and real presence, allowing families to see their own struggles mirrored in the journeys of others. It also creates a culture where those who receive support may one day give support, fostering a cycle of empathy and understanding.
-
Human Dignity (Recognizing the Value of Every Child and Family)
At the core of the foundation’s mission is the unwavering belief that every child, every parent, and every family is uniquely created and deeply loved by God. This value drives Los Momenticos to serve with respect, compassion, and a recognition of the sacredness of each life. Whether a child is battling an illness, recovering from a procedure, or has passed away, their life is celebrated, honored, and remembered. The organization affirms that suffering does not diminish dignity—rather, it calls for even greater love and presence.
Ways to Give
Support our mission and help us spread uplifting momenticos of warmth and kindness — because every day is a gift.