I’ve been wanting to write about this place for so long, but I just couldn’t find the right words to describe this place. I’m still not sure if now I’ll be able to, but here we go…
Taizé is a little religious community in Burgundy, France, that every year, gathers thousands of people for all around the world who go there to pray, to find themselves, to meet new people or try something new.
The high school that I studied at, organised (and still organises) a two week trip all around Europe every summer. One week we would spend here, in Taizé. The first time I was there, I was a little skeptical about the place. I am not an extremely religious person and naturally, when I heard “religious community” I got a little scared, but my desire to travel was stronger so I went anyway. And it was the best decision I had ever taken!
We would always get there Sunday afternoon so we would have time to settle in and get ready for the week. You can either stay in tents (personal or provided by the community) or little houses with 4, 6, 8 or 12 beds. The rooms don’t have keys, but nothing was ever stolen from anyone’s luggage and you can also leave the more expensive items at “La Morada” and get them whenever you want.
On Monday the week starts and it goes as it follows: (Yes I still have my schedule)
8:15 – Morning Prayer (then breakfast)
10:00 – Meetings (This means that you would gather around with young people from other countries and talk about whatever you want and get to know each other)
12:20 – Middle Day Prayer (then lunch)
14:00 – Meetings again or volunteer work (which is quite essential in this community)
17:15 – Snacks
19:00 – Dinner
20:30 – Evening Prayer (On Saturday is a little different because everyone lights candles as they pray together).
After that you aren’t really allowed to make noise around the houses, but you could go to Oyak, a place where young people would go and sing and get to know each other.
And this would be our whole week. I know it might sound boring for some of you, but I guarantee you that by the end of the week you would get so attached to the place and to the people you met that you wouldn’t want to leave.
What I liked the most about it is the fact that Taizé is a place where no one judges anyone, we’re all friends, ready to help and understand each other. Also, when you go and, pray you get this feeling of belonging and unity and peace.
Taizé is such a wonderful experience. You meet so many great people, you make friendships that last a lifetime and if you’re lucky you get to know yourself a little bit better.
I feel that I could go on and on about this place, but I’ll stop. For now…
Alex D.
Alex. D. Neagoe 
Please do continue! I’ve been blessed to live this experience a couple of months ago. I may have not become a changed man, but I do have a growing seed within me which I brought from Taizé.
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So glad to ‘meet’ someone who’s been there and ‘felt’ its magic. I’m not sure it’s about coming back a changed person but rather a more open-minded and maybe a better person 🙂
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