Taizé-vous!

The History of Taizé

It all started in 1940 when Brother Roger left his country of birth, Switzerland, to live in France. During the Second World War he was immediately certain that he had to help people in difficulty.

The small village of Taizé, where he settled, was close to the demarcation line which cut France in two: it was well situated to take in refugees fleeing the war. His friends began to give the address of Taizé to those who needed a refuge.

Many other brothers joined Brother Roger over the years. The Taizé community has steadily grown. Today, it has become perhaps the most important Christian centre in Europe…

Where is this wonderful place?

The community of Taizé is in the town of the same name in the Saone et Loire region of central eastern France.

What do we do in Taizé?

The church is a central feature of Taizé; people are always singing there. The Saint-Etienne source is a place of peace. Taizé is primarily a place of prayer. It is mostly visited by people aged 10 to 30. It is also a meeting place, a place of exchange. Each day is punctuated by special moments. Each day of the week, the bells call to prayer at 8am, 12am and 7pm.

Between two prayer sessions, young people are divided into little groups to speak about general topics and about our way of life… And these meetings are really beneficial for everybody.

Why do I go to Taizé?

I go to meet people from other cultures.

It teaches me to live in a society with people I have never met before.

It is a way to get to know different ways of life and reflect on my own culture.

To gain a greater awareness of my own personality.

It is also a means to discuss European or even global events.

Who can go to join the community?

Whatever you nationality, whatever your religion, whatever your age, you can go to Taizé… During the holidays, more than 3000 teenagers and 200 adults go there for the best days of their lives!

Article by Sylvain Cayron