Sad trip to Taizé: Youth group prays for deceased Pope

Sad trip to Taizé: Youth group prays for deceased Pope

Taizé, Frankreich - Around 100,000 people from different nationalities and denominations visit the Communauté de Taizé in France every year. This pilgrimage not only offers spiritual experiences, but also promotes intercultural exchange among the participants. This year the trip was overshadowed for many young people and young adults, including a group from the diocese of Aachen, but of the death of Pope Francis.

accompanied by pastoral officer Antonio da Costa and Sven Jansen from the Eifel/Düren region, the group covered a route to Taizé, which was shaped by deep grief and thoughtful reflection. On the bus, the travelers prayed together for the late Pope, who had often communicated with young people during his tenure. Evangelical participants were also affected by the news and discussed the consequences of his death during the trip.

the trip and the community

The trip was organized by the diocese of Aachen in cooperation with the regions of Mönchengladbach, Heinsberg, Eifel and Düren. A total of 35 minors and some young adults took part in the trip who met 4,000 other young people in Taizé. During the stay in Taizé, the death of the Pope was a central topic. In daily prayer times and services, intercessions for the deceased were spoken, and the prior of the ecumenical community, Frère Matthew, traveled to Rome, which resulted in some program changes.

"Because of the initial shock about the dying of the Pope, the young people began to speculate about possible successors," said Da Costa. Some wondered whether they would experience the new Pope at the anniversary of the youth in Rome in the Holy Year. The reasons for the trip to Taizé are varied: to be part of the community, preparation for confirmation or sharing experiences with friends.

Taizé as a place of inspiration

The small community of Taizé, which consists of barracks and tents, calls on the young people to organize everyday tasks themselves. This community does not only promote a feeling of togetherness, but also the exchange about biblical and spiritual topics. During their stay, the young people learn moments of silence and an atmosphere that invites you to find self -discovery. Da Costa is convinced that the ecumenically lived Taizé strengthens faith and teaches prayer.

In a message to an upcoming European youth meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, Pope Francis encouraged the young people to share hope. He emphasized the importance of fraternity in difficult times, especially in view of the many countries that are characterized by violence and war. "To hope against all hope," is one of the Pope's central messages, which also inspired the tour group from Aachen to approach their own challenges and to draw hope.

The meeting, which will take place from December 28th to January 1 Pope Francis and other leaders appreciate the effectiveness of the Christian faith and emphasize its transformative power. Brother Matthew, currently the head of the Taizé community, has shaped the past 75 years of the community and confirms the importance of gatherings such as this as a sign of hope and faith.

For the group from the diocese of Aachen, the Taizé trip was an occasion for reflection, exchange and strengthening faith in a time of deep loss. The commitment of the young people to work together and pray shows the power of the community and the hope that continues to exist despite the circumstances.

For more information about the meeting in Taizé you can rp online and Vote Vatican News