Love has a remarkable way of finding us, even in the darkest of times. And love stories are always heart-warming to hear. Especially, when love comes your way when you least expect it and yet need it the most. Marco’s is one such story. A story of finding love in prison – from the trials and tribulations of incarceration to the joyous celebration of marriage.

The Dark Days of Incarceration

Marco’s journey began in the shadows of his own mistakes, grappling with the weight of his actions behind bars. The early years of his imprisonment were shrouded in darkness, as he battled with feelings of depression, aggression, and despair. 

Each day felt like a struggle for survival, with no light at the end of the tunnel. “It felt as if my soul had been taken away,” Marco once said. There was no help, only narcotics.

It was during these tumultuous times that Marco stumbled upon a lifeline – the Prison Smart Program.

Transformation Through Spirituality

Through the Prison Smart Program, Marco experienced a profound transformation fueled by spirituality, yoga, and meditation. In the depths of his despair, he found solace and peace, a glimmer of light in the darkness. With each breath and each meditation session, he felt himself being reborn, shedding the weight of his past and embracing a new sense of purpose and direction.

 “I can’t possibly describe in a few words what I felt. Belongingness, tears of joy, love, and happiness overwhelmed me! I wish what everyone wishes for – inner peace, strength, love, understanding, and a future,” he shared in a letter to his Art of Living friends during Christmas.

Navigating Through Challenges

Yet, Marco’s journey was not without its challenges. Transferred to a wing of the prison reserved for society’s most dangerous inmates, he faced a new set of obstacles. Marco recalls, “I woke up depressed or angry about things.”

But armed with the tools of yoga and meditation, Marco refused to be defined by his circumstances. Instead, he sought to inspire change within himself and others, envisioning a future filled with justice, happiness, and love. Marco recalls, “I did some yoga and meditation, and I overcame these negative tendencies. I might be abnormal and crazy, but I am not a danger to  society!”

Instead of succumbing to the pressures he faced in the new prison surrounded by hardened criminals, he sought to inspire change within himself and others, envisioning a future filled with justice, happiness, and love. He vowed, “I want to become an Art of Living teacher and teach meditation, reach out to gang members, and convince them to leave the path of self-destruction. I only hope for another chance —a chance to bring more justice, happiness, and love in this world.”

The Art of Living Community Rallies Around Marco

During his incarceration, Marco found himself enveloped in an unexpected wave of support from the Art of Living community. Touched by his resilience and commitment to change, Marco’s teacher, Katrien Hertog, reached out to volunteers, calling upon them to uplift Marco’s spirits and remind him that he was not alone. 

The response was overwhelming; with over 400 cards, letters, paintings, and greetings pouring in from across the globe. Grateful for this outpouring of love and encouragement, Marco felt a sense of belonging and a renewed sense of determination to set his life back on track.

Love Against All Odds

Marco found solace in these connections he forged with others, particularly with one woman who would become his source of strength. Through letters, phone calls, and visits, their bond deepened, blossoming into a love that transcended the confines of their surroundings. It was a love born out of mutual understanding, compassion, and support—a love strong enough to weather any storm.

Their love blossomed in the most unlikely of places, defying the odds— and they decided to get married! Grateful for the miracle that had transformed his life, Marco’s joy knew no bounds. 

However, amidst the constraints of his imprisonment, he was permitted only ten guests to witness this momentous occasion. Without hesitation, Marco knew exactly who he wanted to extend the first invitation to: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of The Art of Living and the guiding light who had played a pivotal role in his journey.

A Prison Wedding

On June 1, 2011, amidst the stark confines of prison walls, Marco and his beloved exchanged vows in a simple yet profound ceremony. 

“Celebrating a marriage in prison is a special experience: it clearly testifies to the power of love above anything else,” said Marco’s teacher, Katrien Hertog. 

Surrounded by a select few, including his teacher and representatives from The Art of Living, Marco celebrated a love that had triumphed over adversity.

A Toast to Love

As Marco and his bride embarked on their journey together, they were met with an outpouring of love and support from people around the world. 
Echoing their sentiments, Katrien Hertog spoke at the wedding: “Let your love be multiplied by sharing it with the people around you and let it be a lighthouse for those who are searching. Already today, you are an inspiration to many people in the world who are touched by your example that testifies to hope, courage, and faith. People feel inspired by your decision to love above anything else and despite anything else.”

Sharing His Story with the World

The love story was a celebration of Marco’s transformation and a reiteration of a reformed life. Marco has been diligently practicing yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques ever since he completed The Art of Living course. 

Through a book chronicling his journey of redemption and the transformative power of love, he hopes to inspire others to find hope amid despair and to believe in the possibility of second chances.