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.
Life
Life is life it seems to have it own rules, there are times when suffering comes, others when happiness blooms, both are passing, so is health, beauty, wealth for most, if not, it often brings more sorrow than joy, yet we love and cling toit so. If all things are passing, the good and the… Read More ›
Alleviation
Came to work on Sunday last to find out that Jerome had a slip the night before; at about 8PM. I was surprised to hear about it so late, sense I am supposed to be notified immediately if such an occurrence happens. So I figured that since it was a turned ankle, the nurse assistant… Read More ›
Late call
It was Saturday night when my beeper went off and it had the 911 code on it. So I called into the floor to see what was going on. Janice (not her real name) was very apologetic about waking me, but she said: “Mark, I have a family emergency and need to go home”. So… Read More ›
Kay
I met Kay (not her real name) for the first time last night in the retreat house. She was very attractive, 62 years old, intelligent, and she lived a very busy life. One of the first things she said to me, which was something I could sympathize with was: “before I die I want to… Read More ›
The man with the prayer-shawl
Compline is our last prayer service (or divine office) of the day. It is at 7:30 and probably the most beautiful of our services. We pray the same prayers for Compline every night, so during the time of the year when the days are shorter it is sung in the dark. It is also for… Read More ›
Stay in the boat, ride it out
People will often tell me how frustrating it is for them to pray. I understand of course. Some days the inner world is like a placid lake, on other days it is like a storm on the Red Sea. Yet all we need do is stay in the boat and ride it out. Sometimes Jesus… Read More ›
Life changes and the embracing of hope
There are many joys in life. For me, family, friends and the community I live in are the greatest, for they last a lifetime. True, relationships can be difficult, but imagine life without them. Perhaps one of the greatest tests we all must face is the loss of those we love and cherish. Living in… Read More ›
Life changes and the embracing of hope
There are many joys in life. For me, family, friends and the community I live in are the greatest, for they last a lifetime. True, relationships can be difficult, but imagine life without them. Perhaps one of the greatest tests we all must face is the loss of those we love and cherish. Living in… Read More ›
Why do people come here on retreat?
One day a young woman came into to the retreat house to inquire about coming here for a few days. She had never been on retreat and was wondering if it would be good for her to do so. So she asked me if it was a good idea for her to come. After a… Read More ›
What makes a place holy?
People go to Monasteries for many reasons. Many are tourist and have their own personal reactions to what they see. For some it is a curiosity, sort of like going to Stone Mountain, or some other site of interest, with each visitor having their own unique take on what they allow in. Some people find… Read More ›