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...
Investment or Expense?
Investment or Expense? In a country where some children as young as five have to generate income, education seems an unaffordable investment. Can you imagine? A majority of young children in Madagascar work every day instead of going to school. Without education...
Behind the Green Door
Behind the Green Doorby Fr. Mark Pranaitis Pedestrians on the busy Rue de Sevres in Paris can be forgiven for unknowingly walking by the Maison Mère, the Vincentian motherhouse, as they make their way to shops, cafes, or the Paris Metro. There is little to call their...
Embracing Hope Amidst Challenges
To our VIMS friends and family. Please enjoy this story of hope from the latest FamVin blog. - Despite the difficulties caused by the war in our country, from July 10 to July 14, 2023, we held a VMY meeting in western Ukraine. The theme of the meeting was ‘Witnesses...
Where in the World is Father Mark?
"Live in the present" is a basic principle of the spiritual life. It is one I have not mastered. "Everything, Everywhere, All at once" better describes my experience. This year, 2023, during which I celebrated 30 years as a priest serves as an excellent example. On...
Kenya Woodworking & Carpentry Graduation
Graduation and Luncheon for last semester's graduates! After a very successful appeal for De Paul Woodworking in Kenya, we have news. Eight of the trainees finished the program and took the National Trade Exam. We are so proud of them! And we are so thankful for you,...
Kenya Woodworking with Brother Jim Donlevy
What is Kenya Woodworking? Brother Jim Donlevy learned his carpentry skills as a boy from his father and improved them over the years. Almost 20 years ago he responded to the call to serve in the Vincentian mission in Nairobi, Kenya where he designed and started Kenya...
Fr. Mark’s 30th Anniversary of priesthood!
Thirty years ago, in mid-May 1993, I was busy preparing for two major events, the first would lead to the other. Two years prior, while on a year-long internship at Annunciation Parish in Denver, CO, I started an affordable housing program. You see, there was this...
Lessons from our mothers.
Lessons from our mothers. Mothers Day 2023 Fr. Mark Pranaitis, Founder of VIMS - Most of you reading this know who I am: Fr. Mark Pranaitis, the founder and executive director of VIMS. Chances are you never met my mother, Florence LeDonne Pranaitis. She went to heaven...