ROGER SCHUTZ, a devout Protestant, was 25 when he arrived alone at the tiny village of Taize in south eastern France. He bought a large house on a hill seven miles from historic Cluny. He hid refugees, mainly Jews, seeking safety from Nazi persecution. He had a vision of an ecumenical community of monks; for two years he prayed that his dream would come true. Seekers after truth came to consult him, to pray with him, and to seek pathways to unity.
On Easter Sunday 1949 a small group of seven men, including Max Thurian, made a commitment to a life in Community of Prayer, to holding property in common, to perpetual celibacy and to establish "a parable of unity". They would support themselves by their labours and would neither solicit nor accept donations.
Brother Roger's diary reveals his ideals: "Who are we? A gathering of men who did not select one another. . . a small weak community holding to what may seem an impossible dream . . . the reconciliation of all Christians and of all peoples . . . We have our many personal weaknesses. With us is one greater than ourselves The Rule of Taize was composed in 1952. The community grew. Young men, after several years of preparation, made their vows.
Now there are over 100 brothers, Catholic and Protestant, from all the continents. The community transcends all barriers and is a place of healing, of reconciliation of prayer and of peace. Scripture reflections and chants that penetrate one's being are shared by all. Each tradition has its own centre for celebration of the Eucharist. A special feature of renewal is the solemn Prayer around the Cross each Friday. Every Saturday after sundown, there is a Paschal vigil recalling the Easter Mystery, the central truth of Christian faith. Baptism promises are renewed and in an atmosphere of deepest prayer, all share in repentance, in renewal and in hope revived.
Thousands of young adults come from all across the world not only to be themselves renewed, but to carry the healing Gospel to all whose lives they touch. Brother Roger's words have carried inspiration and hope: "What God asks of you. He also gives Every human being experiences deserts of fear, but, whoever you are, Christ murmurs in you! Let your heart trust. Rest in peace in God alone. Are you frightened? He says I am here. In the Risen Christ a meaning to life is found! The depths within us are limitless. They open towards the depths of God."
Pope John XXIII greeted Brother Roger: "Ah! Taize ... that little springtime!" Pope John Paul keeps close to this fount of renewal: "My desire is that the Lord may keep you like a spring time that blossoms. May he keep you little in the Joy of the Gospel and the transparency of Love. One passes through Taize as one passes close to a spring of water. The traveller stops, quenches thirst and continues with hope renewed
Highest political leaders in the world have joined prominent women and men of all faiths pointing out how the Taize Community is known for the trust, full of hope, forever placed in the young. Only with the prayer and support of all can the great ideals be fulfilled. the Taize springtime brings healing light to a darkened world.
(Taize Community, 71250 Cluny, France. Tel 00-33-855018 18).