Brother Kyle Berceau OCSO, died on March 5, 2024 of cancer that developed after a successful liver transplant in December 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Abbey Church on Thursday, March 7, at 2 p.m.

Brother Kyle endured heroically 15 years of medical emergencies from an autoimmune colon and liver illness that compromised his health in numerous ways.  He was born on March 16,1990 in Evanston, Illinois.

Gratefully, Kyle entered our Mepkin community September 14, 2022.  He had attended our first Monastic Institute in 2018 and since that time, was drawn to the contemplative life.  Having graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2012 and went on to work in Minor League Baseball Administration in Arizona.   Moving back to Chicago in 2021, he attended Mundelein Seminary for the Diocese of Chicago.

Brother Kyle is survived by his loving family:  Steven and Marilyn Berceau of Wilmette Ill. And his loving siblings: Bret (Catie) Berceau, Cory (Elise) Berceau, Brianna Berceau, and Brooke Berceau.

Brother Kyle was an integral part of the Mepkin Community having been clothed as a Novice on the Feast of All Saints, November 1, 2023.  Gifted in writing. His reflections and articles were admired by many.  He contributed significantly to our monastic life as he embraced our Cistercian charism with this profound faith and commitment to monastic ideals.

Brother Kyle professed his Solemn Vows in the presence of his family and community on February 18, 2024.   Taking the name of Roman Paul after his paternal grandfather. He went to God peacefully surrounded by family and community

There is a link below to a reflection Brother Kyle wrote on entering the monastery:

https://mepkinabbey.org/reflection-from-brother-kyle-when-he-first-entered-mepkin/