After nearly two years of patient discernment and prayer our Brother Mark Amaral has come to the realization that he is not called to cloistered Cistercian life. His initial plans are to move to Massachusetts in order to be nearer his family. We are grateful for Mark’s time with 
us and trust that his stay with us will prove to have been a blessing for him—as it has been for us. Mark had a special devotion to our Natural Cemetery and singlehandedly cleared much of the Woodland Rest section of the monastery. We wish him well and ask you to join us in praying that God will continue to lead and bless him in the months and years ahead.
Peggy Anderson says
Sorry to have Brother Mark leave, but wish him the best in whatever God is calling him to.
Peace.
Christine Kay says
I’ve heard it said that God never closes a door without opening a window. All of God’s love and blessings to Brother Mark.
Charles Stevenson says
Thank you, Mark, for bringing your love, your devotion, your resolve, and your discipleship to the community of Holy Cross. And thank you, too, for bringing them back out into a world in dire need. May your experience make you a lifetime ambassador of the essence of Holy Cross to the rest of us. May your life and example, like those of these brothers and fathers, lead and inspire the rest of us to cultivate our own lives as disciplic vocations, whatever our roles and their outward forms may be.
Paul P. Joyce says
Good luck, Mark. You will be just a day trip away from Spencer Abbey for worship and fellowship.