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The monastic community and the metropolitan city of Turin are celebrating the 1,300th anniversary of the founding of Novalesa Abbey (Italy). It was on 30 January 726, in the middle of winter, when Abbone launched the foundation of the abbey: 1300 years have passed, and the Benedictine monastery has experienced periods of varying importance in the history of the Alps, until 1972, when the province of Turin bought it from Convitto Umberto I in order to prevent it from falling into ruin. This important gesture has given new life to a unique and special place over time and has required significant financial investment for restoration work, some of which has been ongoing in recent months. On 30 January 2026, a solemn ceremony with the recitation of the votive vespers of Saints Peter and Andrew, presided over by Cardinal Roberto Repole, Bishop of Turin and Susa, marked the 1300th anniversary of the foundation of the Abbey of Novalesa, in the Val Cenischia. The Benedictine monastic community and the metropolitan city of Turin, owner of this jewel of art, faith, history and culture, chose to organise a symbolic ceremony, concelebrated by dozens of abbots and priests, in the presence of Metropolitan Mayor Stefano Lo Russo, Deputy Mayor Jacopo Suppo, with councillors Sonia Cambursano and Caterina Greco, Councillor Andrea Gavazza and all the mayors of the Susa Valley. During the ceremony, the commitment to preserve the abbey, maintaining it as a place of peace and welcome, was renewed: Cardinal Repole, Mayor Lo Russo, Prior Michael David Semeraro, Abbot President of the Benedictine Congregation Ignasi Fossas and Don Gianluca Popolla signed a charter of refoundation. Metropolitan Mayor Stefano Lo Russo presented a souvenir to the prior of the abbey, whom he described as a ‘beacon of spirituality in the heart of the Alps, a tireless guardian of the ora et labora rule’, paying tribute ‘to the mission that the monastic community has accomplished and continues to accomplish with humility and constancy, preserving the thousand-year-old tradition that reigns here’. The Benedictine monastic community has prepared a rich and meaningful programme for the 1300th anniversary of its foundation, with the presence of illustrious personalities throughout 2026, until the end of the centenary on 15 October, the day of the consecration of the abbey church, when another Piedmontese cardinal, Monsignor Giorgio Marengo, will arrive from Mongolia to close the celebrations. https://www.abbazianovalesa.org/wp/

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The monastic community of São Geraldo Abbey in São Paulo, Brazil, has elected Dom Geraldo González y Lima, OSB, as its fourth abbot. The election took place on 15 January 2026, coinciding with the liturgical memorial of Saints Maurus and Placid, the first disciples of Saint Benedict. Dom Geraldo succeeds to the abbatial chair of this community, a member of the Hungarian Congregation, after two decades of distinguished service to the wider confederation in Rome. Born in Havana, Cuba, to a family of Spanish and Chinese heritage, Dom Geraldo’s life has been deeply intertwined with the Benedictine charism from his youth. A former pupil of Colégio Santo Américo, the abbey’s renowned educational institution, he later graduated in law from the University of São Paulo, specialising in corporate law. His transition from the legal profession to the cloister followed a period as a secular oblate, eventually entering São Geraldo in 1983. He made his solemn profession in 1987 and was ordained to the priesthood on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul in 1991. Within his own community, Dom Geraldo’s leadership was established through a diverse range of responsibilities. He served as novice master, procurator and sub-prior, and was a founding member and superior of the Cella Saint Joseph in Itapecerica da Serra. His commitment to the Benedictine educational apostolate was particularly evident during his tenure as rector of Colégio Santo Américo and his work with the Pax Movement, which fosters spiritual growth among students, alumni and their families. In 2005, Dom Geraldo was called to Rome to serve in the Curia of the Abbot Primate at Sant’Anselmo. Over the ensuing 20 years, he became a familiar and esteemed figure within the international Benedictine family. His roles were as varied as they were demanding: he served as secretary to Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, secretary general of the Pontifical Atheneum of Sant’Anselmo and, most notably, as the treasurer of the Benedictine Confederation. His expertise in administration and his measured, fraternal presence made him a mainstay of the Curia’s operations. His influence extended well beyond the walls of the Aventine Hill. Dom Geraldo has been a pivotal figure in the International Commission on Benedictine Education (ICBE), currently serving as its Vice President, and has contributed significantly to the Alliance Inter-Monastère (AIM) in Paris. Furthermore, his appointment as procurator for several Benedictine congregations—including the American-Cassinese, Swiss-American, Cono-Sur and Solesmes congregations—underscores the trust placed in him by the global monastic community. The election of Dom Geraldo marks the return of a seasoned administrator and a respected monk to the community that formed him. After a period of transition at Sant’Anselmo to conclude his responsibilities in Rome, he will return to Brazil to begin his abbatial ministry. In this new chapter, he will oversee the Abbey of São Geraldo and its extensive network of social, educational and pastoral works, including the Morumbi parish and the Saint Joseph Cell. The community at Sant’Anselmo, while feeling the loss of a beloved colleague and friend, joins the monks of São Geraldo in prayer as Dom Geraldo takes up the abbatial staff, bringing his vast experience of the universal Order back to the service of his local community. osb.org https://www.asg.org.br/

The statutes of the AIM were established in 1966 and revised in 1996, 2002, and 2003, and submitted to the Council and Congress of Abbots for approval in 2004. In 2025, new statutes were drafted, reflecting greater fraternity among the communities of the three monastic orders (OSB, OCist, OCSO). Organization The statutes of the AIM were established in 1966 and revised in 1996, 2002, 2003 and submitted to the approval of the Council and the Congress of Abbots in 2004. In 2025, new statutes were drawn up, reflecting a better fraternity between the communities of the three monastic orders (OSB, OCist, OCSO). Organisation The Statutes of AIM were established in 1966, revised in 1996, 2002 et 2003 and submitted to the approval of the Council and the Abbots’ Congress in 2004. In 2025, following the Synod on Synodality, Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder (OSB), Sister Lynn Mc Kenzie, Moderator of the CIB, Abbot General Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori (OCist), Abbot General Bernardus Peeters (OCSO) drafted new statutes reflecting more structured links between the communities of the three monastic Orders. President of the AIM: Father Bernard LORENT TAYART, OSB. The President is appointed by the Moderating Council for a renewable five-year term. He represents the AIM and is responsible for its operation. Secretary General of the AIM: Father Charbel PAZAT DE LYS, OSB. The Secretary General assists the President in his responsibilities. He heads the General Secretariat. The Secretary General coordinates the committees, convenes their meetings and sets their agendas. The Secretary General is appointed by the President after consultation with the Moderating Council. The term of office is five years, renewable. The Moderating Council: The Moderating Council is the highest authority of the Alliance. It provides guidance for the work of the AIM, oversees the governance and activities of the Alliance, receives reports, appoints the President, and consults with the President before he appoints the Secretary General and the heads of the committees. The President of the AIM is usually invited to its meetings. Members : Abbot Primate Jeremias Schroeder, OSB; Sister Lynn McKenzie, OSB, Moderator of the CIB; Abbot General Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori, OCist; Abbot General Bernardus Peeters, OCSO. Guest: Fr. Bernard Lorent Tayart, OSB, President of the AIM. The Assembly of AIM: This is an advisory body that connects the work of AIM with monastic families, shares information and ideas, discusses developments in the monastic world, and proposes projects. Members: Abbot Primate Jeremias Schroeder, OSB; Sister Lynn McKenzie, OSB, Moderator of the CIB; Abbot General Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori, OCist; Abbot General Bernardus Peeters, OCSO; Fr. Bernard Lorent Tayart, OSB (President of AIM); Fr. Charbel Pazat de Lys, OSB (Secretary General of AIM); Sister Ann Hoffman, OSB (Executive Director of AIM-USA); Fr. Ignasi Fossas, OSB (Abbot President of the Subiaco-Cassinese Congregation); Fr. Javier Aparicio Suárez, OSB (Abbot President of the Congregation of Sankt Ottilien); Fr. Maksymilian Nawara, OSB (Abbot President of the Congregation of the Annunciation); Sr. Rosann Ocken, OSB (Prioress General of the Benedictine Missionary Sisters of Tutzing); Fr. Lluc Torcal, OCist (delegate of the Cistercian Order); Fr. Clement Ettaniyil, OSB (ISBF delegate); Sr. Cristina Lavinhati (EMLA delegate); Fr. Peeter Eghwrugjakpor, OSB (delegate for Africa); Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, OSB (Secretary General of DIMMID); Fr. Emmanuel Cottinau, OCSO (Projects Committee); Fr. Brendan Thomas, OSB (Formation Committee); Sr. Isabelle (Communication Committee). The Assemby of AIM, november 2025. Committees: 1- Finance Committee The Finance Committee oversees AIM's finances, investments and fundraising, organises audits, approves the budget and submits an annual report to the Moderating Council and the Assembly. Members: Fr. Bernard Lorent Tayart, OSB (President of AIM); Fr. Charbel Pazat de Lys, OSB (Secretary General of AIM); Fr. Javier Aparicio Suárez, OSB; Fr. Emmanuel Cottinau, OCSO. 2- The Projects Committee The Projects Committee evaluates project applications, allocates project funds, approves disaster relief, and prepares an annual report for the Moderating Council and the Assembly. Members: Fr. Bernard Lorent Tayart, OSB (President of AIM); Fr. Charbel Pazat de Lys, OSB (Secretary General of AIM); Fr. Javier Aparicio Suárez, OSB; Fr. Emmanuel Cottinau, OCSO; Fr. Lluc Torcal, OCist; a delegate from the Congregation of Benedictine Missionaries of Tutzing. 3- The Communication Committee The Communication Committee oversees all communications activities, in particular the newsletter, website and social media presence. Members: Fr. Bernard Lorent Tayart, OSB (President of AIM); Fr. Charbel Pazat de Lys, OSB (Secretary General of AIM); Sr. Isabelle; Fr. Andrea Serafino Dester, OSB; Fr. Jean-Pierre Longeat, OSB. 4- The Formation Committee The Formation Committee supports training activities in the monastic world by sharing information, organising or assisting with workshops, courses and meetings, developing guidelines, resources and training materials, liaising with the Sant'Anselmo Scholarship Committee, the MFP, the CFM (OCist), ICBE/BENET, and other monastic educational organisations. Members: Fr. Bernard Lorent Tayart, OSB (President of AIM); Fr. Charbel Pazat de Lys, OSB (Secretary General of AIM); Fr. Brendan Thomas, OSB (AIM Coordinator for Formation); Br. Colman O Claibaigh, OSB and Sr. Marie Johann Heo, OSB (MFP coordinators); Fr. Lluc Torcal, OCist (Director of OCist Formation); Fr. Marco Antonio Monaldo, OCSO (Director of OCSO Formation).

The AIM promotes and encourages cooperation and solidarity among monasteries; contributes to the human, cultural, and spiritual formation of the communities; fosters and supports exchanges between communities; supports funding projects submitted by the communities; and publishes a newsletter and a Bulletin twice a year in six languages. FINANCIALLY SUPPORT AIM THE AMTN ASSOCIATION THE BENEDICTUS FOUNDATION PROMOTE COOPERATION AND SOLIDARITY BETWEEN THE MONASTERIES of the Benedictine family throughout the world Welcome to Alliance InterMonastères We work for the growth and development of monastic life today around the world The Alliance for International Monasticism (AIM) is an Association of monasteries promoting cooperation, solidarity and mutual aid between communities. AIM contributes to the human, cultural and spiritual training of communities, encourages and supports exchanges between communities and supports the financing of projects presented by the communities. MONASTIC LIFE Monastic formation Regional monastic associations Reference texts: The Mirror of Monastic Life the monastic Dream... Read More >>> COMMUNITIES History of the Benedictine Confederation History of the International Communion of Benedictines Contact details of monasteries by continent and country. Read More >>> OUR PROJECTS Each semester, projects are presented here which are sent to AIM in order to support them. These projects concern: Formation at all levels, constructions, aid for new foundations, lucrative activities and development works (health, education, agriculture.) Lire la suite >>> Request for financing I am writing these few words from the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, near Siena, Italy, where I am spending two days for the community's spiritual exercises. The monastery is known for its frescoes depicting the life of Saint Benedict. The abbey is filled with the spirit of Christmas: a huge Christmas tree is decorated with lights outside, and in each cloister and in the refectory, Christmas trees announce the joy of the Saviour's birth. The community of the mother abbey of the Olivetan congregation is made up of more than 25 monks, who come from Italy, but also from Latin America and Asia. Its characteristics are its youth, its kindness, and the quality of its choral prayer. My wish is that every community would be like this one: attractive to new vocations; happy to live, pray and work as brothers and sisters; bringing the presence and love of Christ into our world. Father Abbot Bernard LORENT TAYART, OSB, President of the AIM ABOUT RECENT NEWS 1 2 3 4 OSB Order of Saint Benedict The news presented here are those of the male and female monasteries belonging to the Benedictine Confederation. Read the news OCSO Cistercian Order of Strict Observance This Order brings together the monasteries of the reform of the Order of Cîteaux by Abbot de Rancé in the 17th century. Read the news OCist. Cistercian Order The monasteries represented here belong to the Cistercian Order. Read the news SPECIAL Special news and events Here you will find news about various communities or specific events. Read the news OTHER NEWS BULLETIN NEWSLETTERS LETTER FROM THE AMTM AIM around the world 1,157 COMMUNITIES WOMEN 1,762 COMMUNITIES AND MISSIONS OSB - OSCO - OCIST - CISTERCIAN FAMILY See more > 605 COMMUNITIES MALE

Friends of the Monasteries The association Friends of Monasteries Around the World (AMTM) is closely linked to the AIM. The AMTM was born from the intuition of the father of Floris (OSB), former abbot of En Calcat and president in 1969 of the AIM to involve the laity in the action of the AIM VISION The AMTM is the secular arm of the AIM. People who feel concerned by the work of monasteries come together to support this action and thus participate in the development of the communities and populations around them. ACTION The efforts of the AMTM aim to promote projects supported in close connection with the Benedictus Foundation, sheltered by Caritas France as a legal support allowing all the advantages of tax recognition. MEANS The AMTM is an awareness association. She publishes a letter to present the projects of the monasteries which are supported in particular by the Benedicus Foundation. She would also like to organize conferences and meetings. History of AMTM The AMTM was created in the great breath of renewal sparked by the Second Vatican Council and its constitution Lumen Gentium which insists on the participation of the people of God. From its inception, our association has aimed to participate for more than 50 years in monastic development through the prayer of its members and the collection of donations. It is a tremendous explosion of foundations that emerged from the 1960s on various continents. Between 1969 and today, more than 600 monasteries have been founded. Sometimes they are tiny communities and develop very slowly, other times monasteries develop and can in turn found a new community. We are happy to participate in this development. AMTM Newsletter: No. 174, Lent 2025: AMTM174 .pdf Download PDF • 451KB No. 173, Advent 2024: AMTM173 .pdf Download PDF • 990KB No. 172, Autumn 2024: AMTM172 .pdf Download PDF • 1.23MB No. 171, Easter 2024: AMTM171 .pdf Download PDF • 1.74MB No. 170, Lent 2024: AMTM170 .pdf Download PDF • 1.13MB No. 169, Advent 2023: AMTM169 .pdf Download PDF • 518KB Become a member Head office: AMTM, 7 rue d’Issy, 92170 Vanves President: Jérôme de Leusse Make a donation through Fondation Benedictus Make a donation If you wish to make a donation and receive a tax receipt , you must send this donation to Fondation Benedictus, as indicated below: • By credit card Online Fondationcaritasfrance.org/fondations/fondation-benedictus/ By bank check payable to: Fondation Benedictus to be sent to the address: Fondation Benedictus c/o AMTM 7 rue d'Issy - 92170 Vanves Fiscal advantages The Benedictus Foundation works under the aegis of the Caritas France Foundation, founded by Secours Catholique. The Caritas France Foundation, recognized as being of public utility, allows you to benefit from tax deductions for the IFI and IR, on your donations and generosity.