Such sad news! I was planning a Trip to NY for this feb to and trying to touch base with Mark through FB when I came upon the news of his passing.
I met Mark when he came to Peru in the mid 80's to do social service in Chimbote, a very poor town in the north part OF Peru. At that time days I was also a student in Lima and lived confortably at my parents House. We were fortunate to be his host family so he used my House when he needed to come to Lima to touch base with civilization . I really admired the passion and love he had for what he was doing , helping poor people, and trying to improve their lives in anyway. Everyone in the small native community where he lived called him Padresito Mark ... Meaning Dear Priest in spanish. He was for that community, an example of Charity and Love as the people
there were not living but surviving and after seeing the love and passion he gave to them I am sure he is resting now In peace .
In his few stays in Lima at my House he gave me and my friends a perfect example of christian values or social responsabily if we want to express it in a different way.
It was difficult for him to understand such opposite and contrasting worlds existing in Peru and we had long and deep talks about It. Later in my profesional Life i always tried to see him when passing through NY and was fortunately able to see him once in a while. We would talk and laugh about his peruvian experience.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
I will miss you Mark and will always remember such a Great person you were and always thank you for coming to Peru to try to improve the lives of many . Rest in peace my friend!