 |
My
Taize experience Clare Green |
‘The
Lord is my light, my light and salvation, in him I trust,
in him I trust.’
Since
1940 Taize, a tiny village set into the hills of Burgundy
in eastern France has been home to a community of
brothers whose prayer, three times each day, is at the
centre of their life.
I
remember the picture postcard scenery of sunflower filled
fields as the coach travelled its way round the winding
roads. I was seventeen years old and with members
of our church youth group, part of an International
Pilgrimage where thousands of young people from all over
the world were invited to join the brothers in prayer and
reflection.
For
the next few nights a bunk bed in a dormitory was home,
some were camping, and a bible, map and timetable giving
us details of where to meet for meals and services was
all I needed. (We were told: ‘If in doubt
listen for the bells!’)
We met up
with people from other countries to discuss the themes of
the day, share experiences, explore the grounds, until
those bells rang out, calling everyone to stop what they
were doing and come to gather in the church to pray and
sing with the brothers of the community.
We
removed our shoes, covered our shoulders and entered what
to me felt like a huge, candle lit shrine, everything
glowing orange. We all sat on the floor cross legged.
I can't remember hearing anyone speak, the silence felt
very comfortable and even though there were hundreds of
people in front of you and even more behind, with your
knees and elbows touching someone else’s, it just
overwhelmed you as a very prayerful atmosphere in a very
welcoming space. Gradually people started singing,
the songs were repeated again and again giving a
meditative quality. The service was said in several
different languages which highlighted the
internationality of the event. The point of most
significance that held throughout my stay in Taize was
that it didn’t matter which country you were from,
which denomination of the Christian faith you belonged
to, we were all there for the same reason to praise and
worship God.
Closer to home, to celebrate Candlemas about twenty members of the parish gathered at St. Philip's for A Taize service. The service was led and musically accompanied by Priscilla Doe on Violin and her husband Roger on Cello. We were seated in front of the high altar in candle light. Our focus was a beautiful carving of Christ on the cross, placed in front of the altar where the step was simply decorated with flowers and candles.
We were
invited to add to the existing candles in front of us
during the silence and join in with the simple songs.
For a few
moments on a chilly January evening I was transported
back to that beautiful candle lit shrine, where the music
and whole spirit of the community filled me with such
warmth.
‘Ubi
caritas et amor, ubi caritas, Deus ibi est. ‘(Where
charity & love are, there is God.)
The
Revd. Priscilla Doe writes……………
From this
small beginning last month, we are exploring the
possibility of more frequent Taize worship in the parish.
Though
the songs are simple and repetitive, even so gentle
leadership from a choir can be helpful. We
might possibly explore some simple instrumental accompaniments
too?
If you
would like to know more, ask Clare or myself.