A 24-year-old New Zealand monk has been found dead in the waters near Papa Stronsay, Scotland. Justin Evans, known as Brother Ignatius Maria, vanished from a remote monastery in April before his body was recovered last week.

From Christchurch Rugby Fields to the Golgotha Monastery

Justin Evans was a prominent figure in Christchurch before finding his calling in the Redemptorist Community. As reported by the source, he was a talented rugby player for the Marist Albion Rugby Club, where he played for both the Colts and premier sides. His former school, St Bede's College, remembered him as a "charismatic leader" and a well-respected member of the community.

This transition from a high-profile athlete in New Zealand to a monk in the remote Orkney islands underscores the profound personal journey Evans undertook before his disappearance. His commitment to his faith was evidenced by his recent spiritual milestone, having just completed his First Profession on March 19.

The Wednesday morning recovery near Papa Stronsay

The recovery of the body occurred on a Wednesday morning around 07:35 near the island of Stronsay. According to the report, the RNLI Kirkwall was called to assist coastguards in the operation following the discovery.. This recovery ends a period of intense uncertainty that began when Evans vanished from the Golgotha Monastery on April 11.

The search for the monk involved extensive inquiries by local authorities and partner agencies across the island area.. The discovery of the body marks a somber conclusion to a search that had seen growing concerns as time passed since his initial disappearance.

Why Police Scotland is treating the death as unexplained

Despite the recovery of the body, the circumstances surrounding the death remain a significant mystery. Police Scotland has stated that the death is currently being treated as "unexplained," and the findings will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course. investigators have not yet clarified whether the incident was accidental or if other factors were involved.

The source notes that while extensive searches were carried out,the specific cause of Evans' presence in the water remains unverified. At this stage, the investigation is in its early phases, and the authorities have not released any definitive details regarding the nature of the incident.

A community mourning Brother Ignatius Maria

The Golgotha Monastery, a traditional Catholic institution established in 1999, has expressed "unparalleled tragedy" over the loss of Brother Ignatius Maria. The Diocese of Aberdeen also expressed deep sadness regarding the disappearance and presumed death of the 24-year-old .

To honor his memory,his family traveled to Orkney to attend a ceremony to raise a memorial cross on Papa Stronsay. The loss is felt deeply not only by the monastic community but also by his family, three of whom are also members of the Congregation.