JourneyOnline
Just weeks after the stabbing death of Taize founder Brother Roger, Taize Brother Ghislain brought the unique form of worship to Australia.
Br Ghislain said despite the community being rocked by the death, things were progressing as normally as possible.
“Br Roger prepared us for a long time to be able to continue after he had gone. The pain is there, that is clear and because of the circumstances it will probably take a long time. Personally, I feel a kind of urgency to continue what we have learnt and been doing,” he said.
“Our message of reconciliation and peace has been heard. We have to be consistent to that. So many young people have been touched, we weren’t going to stop now. Nothing at Taize stopped. The praying, the singing, nothing stopped.
“The day after Br Roger’s death one of the older brothers spoke beautifully. He said, ‘Now let us help each other to live in peace and hope’. We are to be a little seed of hope in the world.”
The Taize movement has particularly attracted young people, much to the surprise of the brothers.
“In a way we are still wondering why because as a monastic community we were not prepared to welcome young people. Maybe young people felt a place where they were welcomed and listened to. We have tried to listen to their questions and searching. Perhaps they like the simplicity of life.
“We have simplified our way of praying so young people can feel at home and feel meaning. They can express questions. We don’t promise an answer to everything. Through prayer the door will be opened.
“I think young people enjoy meeting other young people with the same questions. They are not told what to think or do.”
A number of events were organised for Br Ghislain to share the essence of Taize worship around Queensland. He said he hoped people would feel refreshed and full hope of hope after attending.
The visit was sponsored by Queensland Churches Together.
Find out about other Queensland Churches Together events in What’s on and at
www.qld-churches.asn.au
Photo : Taize Brother Ghislain with an image used by Taize called ‘The Friendship of Christ’ which depicts Christ on the journey with each of us
