Br. Mark 
Writings of Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO, a monk of Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers Georgia. Br. Mark is formerly Prior and is currently guestmaster for the Monastery, His writings relate to those he works with in his ministry, particularly the elderly and dying.
Prejudices and bigotry
I tend to make a distinction between prejudices and bigotry. I do believe that most people have prejudices, pre-judgments that will come to the surface when under stress. They are irrational and something that is often passed on from one generation to the next. Or because of our primitive tribal nature we will paint all… Read More ›
Whatever works
the use of prayer beads I was talking to one of the AA retreatants this morning. She was talking about trying to get herself settled so she could meditate. Meditation can come in many forms but many people think it has to be ‘just so’ for it to be meditation. Actually we meditate many times… Read More ›
Woman Who Had Near-Death Experience Recalls Surprising Way She Was ‘Judged’
Several years back we met a woman from Syosset, New York, who had a near-death experience. We try to be cautious with all such reports. We’re well aware that there can be deception in any realm, and also that near-death experiences, because they involve a reality far outside our own, can seem strange to some… Read More ›
Simply talking with someone else and sharing ones faith
The greatest way we can show respect for someone is to simply listen to them and not to try to change their minds. I suppose in trying to such a thing would lead to ‘Excedrin Headache #8”, since it is impossible. Howe do I know this? From personal experience when I am communing with others…. Read More ›
A journey of growth that is eternal.
“Ponder these words: He and I. Live them. I and you: I in you.” He and I, Gabrielle Bossis (Pauline Books) The pull of love is towards union. Our hearts desire it and as well fears it. To let go means dropping many obstacles so that the beloved can enter in. The deeper the love the more longing… Read More ›
Purgatory once again
(originally posted to a non-Catholic discussion forum) . . .To me the term “Purgatory” represent a state of being and not some place of imprisonment. “The term does not indicate a place, but a condition of existence”— John Paul II. God the Father in Christ Jesus is calling all to a loving relationship. All relationships… Read More ›
Prayers always help
From time to time someone who has ‘issues’ with the Catholic Church will tell me that they will pray for my salvation. I always welcome prayers no matter who says them for me. Any prayer that is true comes from a place of charity, and then I will leave it up to the good Lord…. Read More ›
Baubles
Every once in awhile, one of my friends will ask me why I am so obsessed with death, time and the overall fragility of life. I am always surprised by that question, since I am not sure ‘being obsessed’ is the right adjective to use. I am pretty much an average person and I would… Read More ›
Proposed six new beatitudes from Pope Francis
Change comes from the bottom up in any culture. Our leaders can’t do that. If we live our faith it will show in how we treat others and love them. Below are six new beatitudes the pope wants us to live out. And no, he is not going to put them in the bible. It… Read More ›
Remembrance of the dead
and other things…of course There are many things about the Catholic faith that trouble many Protestants. We have devotion to the saints, and especially towards the Blessed Mother. We ask them to accompany us in our lives to pray for us and with us to bring us into deeper union with the Holy Trinity, with… Read More ›