AIM - USA

09/12/2025

This week, learn about the Benedictine Sisters of St. Alban in South Africa. We are honored to support their important work: https://aim-usa.org/st-benedicts-priory-st-benedicts-convent-elukwatini-south-africa

09/03/2025

In our "Meet a Monastery" series, we're learning about the Kurisumala Ashram, located in Southwest India, and the peaceful life they seek to cultivate: https://aim-usa.org/kurisumala-ashram

07/28/2025

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.

In his first two months as the Holy See, Leo has demonstrated that he is invested in exploring Catholicism's relationship with the 21st century. He has spoken out about the potential harm that AI could bring to the intellectual and spiritual development of young people. He delivered a message of the hope and love of God at a Chicago White Sox baseball game. And he has spoken out against the violence in the middle east, imploring leaders to consider "...the pain of mothers, the fear of children, [and] the stolen futures."

Pope Leo also recently commemorated the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, his predecessor Pope Francis I's appeal to unite against climate degradation. We are happy to see such a strong individual carrying this message and serving the Church.

Photo by Edgar Beltrán.

03/10/2025

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”.

It is a time when debts are cancelled. This is when wealthy countries erase the debt of small, poor countries that would never be able to erase the debt owed by themselves. It is offering them freedom from debt.

It is a time of liberty for people on the margins; the elderly, children, the vulnerable, the ill, those with disabilities and the hungry.

It is a time for forgiveness and reconciliation so that all may be healed and know the mercy of God.

Pope Francis opened the Jubilee Year 2025 on December 24, 2024 and presented the theme, Pilgrims of Hope to celebrate the Jubilee Year. We, individually and communally, are to ponder and prioritize how we will be pilgrims of hope as we journey in these times of chaos, suffering, war and oppression.

The Pope asks that we pray and be led by the Spirit to renew the earth and its peoples.

01/14/2025

We have heard from a sister in Syria regarding her perspective on the recent coup that took place in the country:

"Are we afraid? Well, yes, a little, I guess. To have faith - to try to have faith - is not to be unconscious.
But perhaps living all this together, seeking its deep meaning, and then simply and more realistically
the gift of God's grace that accompanies us, allows us to live with serenity."

We continue to monitor the situation and pray for the Syrian people.

09/05/2024

Sr. Escolástica Ottoni de Mattos, OSB, received copies of the Spanish book Portal Hacia la Resurreccion by Sr. Joan Chittister. The community also received books in French and Portuguese
Other books included were on the Rule of Benedict and Monasticism. Here is the note that she sent us.

"The books arrived!! Thanks a lot for those precious gifts! I'm just reading one of them and also another sister is reading another one! We we be so happy if you could come to visit our monastery and our library!"

03/31/2024

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.

03/27/2024

What is occurring is sad, but the community’s response is beautiful. It is an excellent portrayal of what is meant by “stability”. They are choosing to remain, choosing to meet the needs of the people, despite hardship for themselves. They remain hopeful despite the challenges.

Holy Week in Jerusalem this year "will be very quiet," says Benedictine Abbot Nikodemus Schnabel, whose monastery is in financial peril in a Christian community that also faces increasing attacks by religious extremists.

03/21/2024

Prayer for the Feast of Saint Benedict:

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.

02/15/2024

02/10/2024

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.

Who is St. Scholastica? Learn about St. Scholastica