Sad trip to Taizé: youth group prays for deceased Pope

Sad trip to Taizé: youth group prays for deceased Pope

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

Accompanied by pastoral speaker Antonio da Costa and Sven Jansen from the Eifel/Düren region, the group traveled a route to Taizé that was marked by deep sadness and thoughtful reflection. On the bus, the travelers prayed together for the late Pope, who often communicated with young people during his time in office. Protestant participants were also affected by the news and discussed the consequences of his death during the trip.

The journey 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 underage teenagers and a few 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 theme. Intercessions for the deceased were made in daily prayer times and services, and the prior of the ecumenical community, Brother Matthew, traveled to Rome, which resulted in some program changes.

“Because of the initial shock of the pope’s passing, young people began to speculate about possible successors,” Da Costa explained. Some wondered whether they would see the new pope at the Youth Jubilee of the Holy Year in Rome. The reasons for traveling to Taizé are varied: living your faith with others, being part of the community, preparing for confirmation or sharing experiences with friends.

Taizé as a place of inspiration

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

In a message to an upcoming European youth gathering in Tallinn, Estonia, Pope Francis encouraged young people to share hope. He emphasized the importance of fraternity in difficult times, especially with many countries marked 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 tackle their own challenges and find hope.

The meeting, which will take place from December 28th to January 1st, has the theme “Sharing Hope”. Pope Francis and other leaders recognize the impact of the Christian faith and emphasize its transformative power. Brother Matthew, currently the leader of the Taizé community, has helped shape the last 75 years of the community and affirms the importance of gatherings like these 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 of faith in a time of deep loss. The youth's commitment to working together and praying shows the strength of community and the hope that continues despite the circumstances.

For more information about the meeting in Taizé you can RP Online and Vatican News visit.