Projects
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...
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...