Taizé

This past week, Alex and I spent four days at the Taizé Community in Eastern France. After living and vacationing in big cities for the last seven weeks, the peaceful French countryside proved a sharp contrast. Yet, the change of pace was refreshing. And this part of the journey has been highly anticipated.

So what is the Taizé Community? Simply stated, it is an ecumenical prayer community founded in Taizé, France toward the end of World War II. There are over one hundred brothers who live at Taizé and have committed their lives to monastic living. This community of Catholic and Protestant brothers lives, eats, works, and prays together year round. According their website, which I recommend exploring, the community “wants its life to be a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and between separated peoples.”

For many years, young adults (and adults who would like to be young) have been welcomed to Taizé to participate in the life of the community and seek God. In addition, there are smaller, satellite communities scattered throughout the world. Alex and I have participated in a Taizé prayer service in Fresno, California, but have wanted to visit the actual community for some time.

Another great reason to end our trip in France!

The community follows a very steady rhythm of communal prayers and meals. Guests and volunteers are welcome to participate in this rhythm. One could also choose to spend the week(s) in silence.

Our typical day at Taizé included morning prayers, breakfast, free time, midday prayers, lunch, free time, tea time, dinner, and evening prayers. Guests were asked to complete simple jobs to contribute to the community’s workload. (Our job was to help clean up after evening prayer. It was a cinch!)

The days included ample free time to explore the countryside, meander through rustic villages, read, meditate, rest, you name it! Space was intentionally created to encounter God through multiple avenues.

Alex and I thoroughly enjoyed our time both conversing in community and relaxing in solitude. We spent a lot of time talking with each other and with new friends. We did the exploring and the walking and the reading and the resting. It was heavenly.

Without outlining every intimate detail, my general feeling is that we have come away refreshed. Although no major life decisions were made at Taizé, I think we are both slowly getting on the same page.

We highly recommend Taizé Community or something similar for anyone and everyone seeking an encounter with God. While you can encounter God anywhere, sometimes a change of pace in necessary. And when you look at my pictures below, taken during my multiple runs and hikes through the vast countryside, you will think Taizé, is something special!

Au revoir!