Associates of the Iowa Cistercians

The AIC was initiated in 1995 at the request of Father Brendan Freeman, Abbot of New Melleray, and Mother Gail Fitzpatrick, Abbess of Our Lady of the Mississippi. We are unique in that we are associated with two monasteries, one of monks and one of nuns.

We have a three-year formation program. We meet monthly from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a weekend retreat every other year.

We have developed a set of Constitutions which are based on the Constitutions of the Cistercian Order. These are available in English, French and Spanish on our community’s website.

Location