Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Br. Mark rss

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.

Tolerance

I often write about tolerance towards others, it is something central to who I am and what I believe, at least on the surface of things. However, perhaps the main reason I write and ponder this subject is because it is something lacking deep within my own soul that arises when provoked, tired, and not… Read More ›

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Pray with the heart

“Therefore, my children, pray, pray, pray, with the heart, pray with love, pray with good works. Pray so that the world will change, that the world will be saved. With love live the words of my Son. Do not judge, instead love one another so that my heart will triumph. Thank you”. Our Lady of Medjugorje… Read More ›

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Pentecost Sunday

Today we celebrate the living presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Fire burns away all that blocks union, until what is left is oneness; as coal is one with the flames that devoured all impurities. Fear keeps the gifts given to us at bay, so by the impulse of the Spirit we face… Read More ›

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My Bickering Spirit

I need to admit that I struggle with the ‘Spirit of Bickering’. I try not to. However, in my pride, I think I am above it, which is based on a deep-seated arrogance that I see deeper than others, or that I am better than they are. That is a sin since it is based… Read More ›

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We have to give ourselves to something

It is easy to forget that our lives are important and your choices and the path we choose invested with deep meaning. One thing I find intriguing is the way people deal with life. By people, I am putting myself in that group. We all know that life is a tough journey, no matter who… Read More ›

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Regret, pain, loss and tears

A prisoner’s sorrow I am writing a prisoner, his name is Roger, who has been in prison for many years, but, hopefully, will be getting out soon on parole. He is I believe one of those who will not be going back in. At least that is my prayer, for him. In his last letter,… Read More ›

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You have to trust God

“I have a dogmatic certainty: God is in every person’s life. God is in everyone’s life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs or anything else — God is in this person’s life. You can, you must try to seek God in every… Read More ›

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The give and take during retreats

you only get what you put in Watching the dynamic process that happens when a group comes for retreats is fascinating. The size of these groups can go from 4 participants to 45. No matter the size, when people come together to listen, learn as well as to participate, there is often a deep bonding… Read More ›

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Visit

The hospital room was bigger than most, in some hospitals they are more like closets causing a constant domino effect when some one thing is moved, this chair, then the bed tray had to be re-situated, sink too close to the bed, a danger actually if a patient had trouble with balance, but not here,… Read More ›

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Waking up a little bit at a time

Br. Mark, I am devastated! I lost the love of my life, my soul mate!—Michael S. It was Thursday, late for here in our retreat house, about 5 PM, when I heard a knock on our front door. I have noticed that as I age that I am more in touch with my ‘inner cranky… Read More ›

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