An Eagle-Eyed Donor
A donor wrote asking, "What's the picture behind you on the video?" I had to watch the video to see what he saw. Though, either he has great eyesight or he was curious enough to enlarge the picture. Here it is: That's me, a much younger, thinner me, in late August or...
When the Drill Hit Rock: The Story Behind the Well in Papua New Guinea
The flight from Chicago to Papua New Guinea was long. It was worth it too! I flew there because we were putting together a project and something didn't feel right. I had to find out for myself, to check things out in-person. I spent Thanksgiving Day 2024 on planes....
Training Wheels Off!
It is a blisteringly hot day in early July. Rex, my ordination classmate and I are in his home state of Arkansas on vacation. We have been priests for about 3 weeks. We took a drive to visit his life-long friend, Buddy, and his two sons. Just as we arrived, Buddy was...
Water Flows at Holy Name of Jesus Parish
Families in Papua New Guinea now wake up each morning knowing clean, running water is steps away. The well at Holy Name of Jesus Parish is complete, and after months of challenges and setbacks, water is flowing. Our original estimate was $6,000, but the final cost...
Lenten Friday Reflections: Prayer
A note from Fr. Mark on the first pillar of Lent: Prayer 🙏 My mother taught me “prayer is talking to God.” I’m not sure where she learned this, but it has served me well over many years. It also has led me to think about how I best speak with others (face-to-face,...
We’ve Earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency! Here’s Why It Matters.
Big news—we’re thrilled to share that we’ve achieved the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid! This is the highest level of recognition a nonprofit can receive, and it signifies our unwavering commitment to honesty, accountability, and impact. What does this mean...
Register now to see Monsieur Vincent 🎟️ (An invitation from Fr. Mark)
Friends, The Congregation of the Mission, in honor of its 400th, is giving the whole Vincentian Family the gift of viewing Monsieur Vincent, the award winning 1947 film that introduced a generation to St. Vincent dePaul. All you will need is a strong internet...
We love a good success story!
To all friends and donors: The Vincentians in Madagascar wrote to thank us for our generous gifts in support of Marillac College in Fort Dauphin. Thanks to your kindness, they are on their way to installing Internet service throughout the campus so teachers can access...
As it is in Heaven: Part 3
As it is in Heaven-3.1 How was Lent for you? I am writing on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Part of my prayer and reflection these days centers on that question. Where did my Lenten journey take me? May I be frank? I don’t like the term “Lenten Journey.” So very much...
On Earth as it is in Heaven
By: Father Mark Pranaitis When I was a boy, maybe 6 or 7, Sr. Angela taught me and my classmates that heaven was this great place where we would praise God all day long for eternity. My response? “Huh? boring!” I was expecting ice cream and lots of it! Thankfully I...