Brother Roman Paul, OCSO
Kyle Berceau | March 16, 1990 – March 5, 2024
Brother Roman Paul, born Kyle Berceau in Evanston, Illinois, entered Mepkin Abbey in 2022, drawn by a deep call to contemplative life. He was clothed as a novice on the Feast of All Saints in 2023 and, with special permission, professed his solemn vows on February 18, 2024 — just weeks before his passing.
Before entering monastic life, Kyle studied at the University of Notre Dame and worked in Minor League Baseball administration before discerning a call to the priesthood at Mundelein Seminary. His journey was marked by courage, faith, and perseverance through many years of serious illness, culminating in a peaceful and grace-filled death among his Mepkin brothers.
In his writings and reflections, Brother Roman Paul revealed a soul deeply attuned to God’s presence in creation. His legacy continues to inspire Mepkin’s work in contemplative ecology and spiritual renewal.
This page is dedicated to the continuation of his memory. We invite you to share your own stories, reflections, or memories of Brother Roman Paul below.
A Prayer to Honor His Memory
Gracious and loving Father, You helped Kyle Berceau find his way in the desert of silence and solitude at Mepkin Abbey. Becoming a Trappist monk, he took the name of his beloved Marines grandfather Roman Paul and radiated the love for your Son’s passion, death and resurrection.
Surrendering himself to your will, he followed the way of the cross, patiently accepting an aggressive form of cancer that he could not control. Not only did he become a pillar of strength and inspiration for his monastic community, but also a witness of the hope of resurrection for others.
Hear, Holy Father, the prayer we offer to you and grant us to surrender ourselves to your will, following the example of faith, hope, and charity of Brother Roman Paul.
We ask this especially for those who are called to carry the cross of suffering.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
