Coming to Taizè means being welcomed by a community that is inspired by two aims: seeking communion with God through prayer and being a leaven of peace and trust in the human family.
Through common prayer, singing, silence and personal reflection, a stay in Taizè can help us rediscover God’s presence in our lives to find inner peace and a renewed sense of purpose.
Taizé is a small town in the Burgundy region of France where a monastic community, founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schütz, has been the focus of Christian pilgrimage worldwide. The community has become well-known through its simple, chant-like style of worship and prayer and is especially popular with young people, with over 100,000 making pilgrimages to Taizé every year for prayer, study and communal work.
Fr Alessandro Reno led a group of young people from our diocese to Taizé in August last year. They embarked on a ten-day trip from the 17th to 26th August to experience this unique and wonderfully spiritual community. The trip was open to young people aged between 15 and 35 years old (any under 18 would have to receive parental permission).
You can find out what goes on at the Taizé community on their website here and read about the history of the community here.
Below are the daily records and photos of the trip posted by Fr Alessandro
Saturday 24 August
Day 7 in Taizè. Today, the last day full of meetings, and more wonderful gifts from God.
In the morning the last biblical introductions, the meeting with the nun Nathalie Becquart appointed by the Vatican for the Synod, the sign of communion with the Anglican community and the meeting with the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the greeting to the dear friend and prior of the Taizè community Frère Matthew, the celebration of the Resurrection in the evening with the festival of light and the final group mass before leaving.
And we also had the opportunity to greet the wonderful starry sky…Thank God, for the looks full of hope, for the smiles, for the words shared and listened to, and for the desire for God expressed by so many young people in such a simple but at the same time so profound way. And, thanks for our friendship that will last longer, full of joyful “presi-presi” moments!
A bientôt Taizè
Friday 23 August
Day 6 in Taizè. In Taizè we are invited to look at the icons. The icon, if it is a window open to God, is also a window through which He looks at us, illuminates our reality, and also gives meaning to our suffering. Today, immersed in nature, we prayed following “The path of the Gospel” and this evening in church there was the Adoration of the Cross with the gesture of prostation:while meditative chants are performed, and Catholic priests offer pilgrims the sacrament of confession; he rests his forehead on the cross, pouring all his worries onto Christ. This sign was taken up by the Taizé community from the Orthodox rite.
Thursday 22 August
Day 5 in Taizè. Another intense day has passed, full of gifts, meetings and joy! A little work in the morning, a walk in the afternoon and then the group meeting with Brother Jean-Patrick!
Wednesday 21 August
Day 4 in Taizè. The day in Taizè is marked by prayer: in the morning, at noon and in the evening: the place where God meets us! Yesterday evening we all met Brother Matthew, the prior who welcomed us with other young people in the cloistered garden: a beautiful meeting moment in which we prayed for those suffering due to the war. And, of course, our joyful daily space with its own funny games to play…
Tuesday 20 August
Day 3 in Taizè. Busy day today! This morning was international sharing groups after the biblical reflection and helping the monks with some practical work late morning. Fr Alessandro celebrated Mass, followed by confessions for the monks.
Monday 19 August
Day 2 in Taizè. After an inspiring day, evening prayers, and ice cream, we are all together for a relaxing end to our day with some music and laughter. Good night and God bless.
Sunday 18 August
Day 1 in Taizè. A blessing rain welcomed our arrive. But the first impact with the joyful multilanguage mass and the singing warmed up our hearts.
Saturday 17 August
Fr Alessandro and some of the pilgrims about to leave on their journey to Taizé.
| Important information about our Pilgrimage |
| Dates: | Depart late aft. Saturday 17th August – back early hours of Monday 26th August 2024 |
| Age: | Between 15 and 35 years old; (those under 18 should receive parental permission). |
| Travel documents: | You will need a valid UK passport or a valid non-UK passport with a valid visa (if required). |
| Cost: | The cost is £300 per person which includes a contribution for the stay in Taizé and return travel to High Wycombe. (£250 travel costs and £50 accommodation/food). Please contact us if you cannot meet the full cost. |
| Extras needed: | You will need to bring a packed lunch/supper or money to buy food on the ferry (outward/return). [ As it turned out, unknown to us, the coach company arranged free-meal vouchers for use on the ferry both ways] A Bible, notebook and pen; sleeping bag/sheet and pillow. Cushion or “kneeler stool” recommended. |
| Weather: | The weather in Taizé is unpredictable (it can be hot, wet or even both). [It started and ended wet but was glorious for most of the week] Please bring suitable clothing. |
| Deposit: | £100 is to be made at the time of booking. |
| Bookings and full payment due by: | The trip is now over |