Taize is a village in France. I would call it a global village because it attracts thousands of young from all over the world who come together to experience fraternity and spirituality. What makes this place a unique and special one is the community life and living together. It will not be an exaggeration, if I would say it’s a cradle of spiritual intimacy. Today we see the world is divided in the name of religions but here is a place where a particular religion is not adored rather it unites all in a spirit of brotherhood and love. How nice to live together as children of one Father.
This spiritual ideology with living together and community life was the dream child of four brothers, headed by Br. Rozer. It all started with a humble beginning but today it has grown so much to the extent enveloping the entire youth community of the world, beyond the boundaries of caste, color, and race.
It’s amazing to know how Taize got its birth. It was during the turmoiled times of Second World War, Taize was a comfortable place for the refugees. The victims of war took refugees in a safe and serene atmosphere of Taize. Ever since, unto this date the place Taize has become a place refuge for the worrying hearts and quarrying minds. Thousands of young today flock to this place to experience peace and serenity and go back with divine experience of love.
I would also like to pen down a personal note of experience that I loved the way the young prayed together as one family. Although it was a routine way of praying the hymns, chants and lively music made my prayer a unique experience. The soul soothing music and meditative silence helped me to dive in to my inner world accompanying me all through my spiritual journey. A week of silence staying away aloof and alone in a hut in the village of Taize was an awesome experience. In one word three months in Taize was beautiful chapter in my life! I loved it.
- By Jovita D Souza ( YCS YSM Former National Secretary )