Leadership transitions were the major work of the 2026 Board meeting of AIM-USA in August, 2026, with a new Director in place and a new President of the Board elected. But monastic stability and commitment to one another remains central, too, for this organization which connects more than 450 monasteries of Benedictines and Cistercians around the world.
In April 2026 we received a memo from Father Bernard Lorent Tayart, OSB, President of AIM INTERNATIONAL. They have changed their name from the Alliance for International Monasticism to Associatio Internationalis Monastica.
Since we are a Secretariat of AIM INTERNATIONAL, we will be called the International Monastic Association. We will still be known as AIM.
Sister Ann Hoffman, OSB
On May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV was elected to serve as Pope. We at AIM USA are thrilled that an American with such a long life based in service will be serving in this role.
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.
