Taize

Taizé – Holy Week 2006

Ruth Doolin

This Holy Week, I had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Taizé, and although I was unsure at first, I decided to go for it. Now, I just can’t wait to get back there!

Taizé is a community of just under 30 brothers, who live, work and pray together. It was founded by Brother Roger during World War 2, and since his death last year, has been run by the new prior, Brother Alois.

There are 3 prayer services a day in Taizé. One is in the morning at 8.15, one at 12.30 before lunch, and one at 8.30, after dinner. These are always beautiful. There is no homily in the services, instead there is a silence lasting around 10 minutes. This allows for your own personal reflection and prayer with God. The church is always left open after the services, and people can remain in there and pray as long as they like.

In the mornings, everyone took part in discussion groups. These began with a talk by one of the brothers, and followed with everyone splitting down into smaller groups of around 10 people. These groups were the same each day, and consisted of people from all different Christian denominations, and different backgrounds and cultures. This provided an opportunity to make friendships with many different people.

In the afternoon there were a number of things available to do. You could sign up for work, attend discussions and workshops, walk around the lake, sit and talk with friends, or just about anything you wanted.

Life in Taizé is amazingly uncomplicated. The food is basic and the accommodation very simple. Everyone staying gives a helping hand when it required, whether this is serving food, washing up plates or cleaning in the church. These tasks were always carried out cheerfully, no one minds at all.

On Holy Saturday, during the evening service, one of the younger brothers made his life commitment to the community. This was a momentous occasion for him, and everyone watching.

The Easter Sunday service overflowed with joy, as everyone exchanged the greeting, ‘Christ is risen, he is risen indeed!’ in many languages, and the bells rang out loudly, and everyone sang in praise of the Lord. Nearly 5000 people attended!

All in all, it was a fantastic week. Many new friendships were made, and everyone found a new strength to return home, back to their everyday lives, feeling renewed, and at peace with themselves and with God.