In August 1940, a young man named Roger left his native Switzerland
and came alone to settle in the tiny village of Taizé in
eastern France. His sole purpose was to live a life of prayer.
Soon others joined him and today, this ecumenical community numbers
some 90 brothers from over 20 countries. Today, Taizé is
a place to which hundreds of thousands of visitors of all ages
and backgrounds come on pilgrimage, to participate in prayer and
reflection.
Taizé Prayer
Coming to pray in the Taizé style means being invited
to the living springs of the Gospel through song, prayer and
meditation. The duration of prayer is about 45 minutes. It begins
in silence, with subdued lighting, candles, and the Taizé cross
at the centre. Singing is one of the most important forms of
prayer. The repetitive chants have a certain element of spontaneity;
they last as long as people want to sing, and continue until
the chant becomes a prayer for oneself . . . a prayer which awakens
the spirit of God within us.
For more information
contact Fr Philip at 494 1204.