The Story of Taizé

Community

In 1940 during World War II, Brother Roger Shutz, aged 25, set up home in the town of Taizé, in Eastern France. He had a dream to bring together a monastic community which would live out ‘a parable of community’, a sign of reconciliation in the midst of the distress of the time. Other young Protestant men joined Brother Roger later and at Easter 1949, seven brothers committed themselves together to common life and celibacy. Today, there are 90 brothers from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds, from over twenty different countries. Young adults, and less young, have been coming to Taizé since 1957. In 1966, Sisters of St Andrew, an international Catholic community, came to live in a neighbouring village, to share the responsibility of welcoming people in Taizé. The mission of peace and reconciliation and the distinctive style of prayer and worship has spread throughout the world.

Prayer

Taizé Prayer is a combination of sung prayer (repetitive chants), times of silence, scripture and prayers of intercession. Brother Roger was aware that singing would always be a support for the community prayer. His experience which he has shared with so many has shown that a few words, expressed slowly or sung, can sustain our desire for communion with God. Taizé chants are used as a means of meditative prayer.

Taizé Prayer in New Zealand

Taizé prayer groups exist throughout New Zealand. Many people from New Zealand have had time at the Taizé Community in France and have been encouraged to continue the prayer wherever they are. The Sisters of Compassion have been running a Taizé prayer group in Wellington since 1989, firstly at the Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre in Sussex Street, secondly at the newly established Centre in Tory Street and since September 2002 at the Chapel at the Home of Compassion, Island Bay. The Sisters of Compassion plan to have a Spiritual and Prayer environment at the Home of Compassion, Island Bay for all people of “all creeds and none” to gather. Taizé Prayer complements this plan as it is an ecumenical prayer group that meets once a month on the 1st Friday except in January.

For more information about the Taizé Community in France the following will be helpful info@taizé.fr