One of the things I love most about spring is the emergence of light that comes with the lengthening of days. Light lifts my spirit. The light seems to awaken the life hidden deep in the dark soil that has lain dormant through long winter months. The miracle of Light brings forth Life and Hope.

Light, too, is the symbol of Easter.

It begins at the Easter Vigil. The chapel is pitch dark. Everything is still except for the quiet shuffling of those preparing layers of kindling in a large caldron at the entrance to the chapel. 

Historically, Jubilee was a special time called forth by the Pope to call all people to a conversion or a change of heart.

Some images include “letting the land lay fallow- give the earth a rest so that it can be renewed”.

The annual meeting of AIM USA Board of Directors met at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, Erie, PA. on September 28, 2024.

God, by the Resurrection of your Son, Jesus,

You have illuminated the world.

Through the power of your Spirit,

grant that those who still sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death may be born anew,

and that your light may shine on them for ever and ever.

Amen.

Ever-creating God, we witness your love in the expression of Benedictine life. As we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Benedict, may we be ever-mindful of Benedictine influence in past ages, and may our continued commitment give hope to oppressed peoples who seek peace and justice. We pray in praise of your Holy name and with the Spirit now and forever. Amen.

Learn more about our 2024 Lenten Appeal Here:

https://aim-usa.org/sites/default/files/images/2024_Lenten.JPG

Today marks the Feast of St. Scholastica, a special day for Benedictines around the world. You can learn more about this important date by reading this article.

CLICK HERE

Remember us, O God;

From age to age be our comforter.

You have given us the wonder of time,

blessings in days and nights, seasons and years.

Bless your children at the turning of the year

Without me taking sides, the situation in Gaza, as you know, turned from horrific to catastrophic, anywhere within the 40 kilometre Gaza Strip. Since early December, I didn’t have contact with most of people there due to bombings and internet blackouts. Just yesterday I received a short message from my former student that they ended up in the middle bombings in the centre of Gaza City, and even in the “safe zone” where their church is, they are slowly dying.