Saturday, February 25, 2006
Who: In 1940, Brother Roger founded the international and ecumenical community of Taiz & eacute; located in the south of Burgundy, France. Brother Roger, who was from Switzerland, had answered a calling to create a community where simplicity and kindness would be lived as Gospel realities. During World War I, Brother Roger's grandmother had helped many people, and he followed that example during World War II and offered many people refuge. Brother Roger bought a house in Taiz & eacute;, and one of his sisters, Genevieve, came to help him. In 1945, an association was formed to help take care of young boys orphaned by the war. Gradually other young men arrived and joined the original group. On Easter Day 1949, the first brothers committed themselves to celibacy, to material and spiritual sharing and to a great simplicity of life. Brother Roger died Aug. 16, 2005, at age 90. Brother Alois now is the prior of the community.
What: The community of brothers live by their own work. They do not accept gifts or donations for themselves. Some of the brothers live in small groups among the very poor.
Worship: Prayers are featured three times during the day in Taiz & eacute;. The worship includes songs of praise and Scripture reading. Candles are often used during prayer times to symbolize Christ as the light of the world. The brothers encourage contemplation during the times of silence, which are important elements of the prayer sessions. Meditative singing, which expresses a basic reality of faith in a few words, also is an essential part.
Source: Taiz & eacute; Web site at http://www.taize.fr/