Inside TAIZE
Many are familiar with Viterbo’s tradition of Taize prayer on Wednesdays evening, but do they really know what it is and its purpose?
Taize is a Christian community in France that offers contemplation and prayers for world peace. It was originally founded by a brother named Roger, who was eventually stabbed to death.
“Taize has an incredible backstory,” says Campus Ministry director Emilio Alvarez. “The Christian community there still thrives and those who go there are meant to experience God’s peace. I want to take a group of students there someday.”
The community has an international website with repetitive songs of all languages that people may use for individual Taize groups, such as Viterbo.
“The songs are short, repetitive harmonies,” says Campus Ministry director Emilio Alvarez. “We tend to stick to the Latin or English versions of the songs and eventually, students who hear these songs adapt to a meditation mindset.”
These short songs are followed by a psalm chosen from scripture, and usually sung by the students attending Taize. After, a reading is selected form either the Old or New Testament, and read and then a song begins again before a long period of silence is offered.
“This silence gives an opportunity to sit in contemplation and allow the presence of God to dwell in individuals,” says Alvarez. “Some people who are new to Taize are uncomfortable in this silence, and yet this silence is where real communication with God can occur.”
In closing, a litany and praise is carried out after this silence and then an Our Father prayer is said before a final two songs is played in the background on the piano.
There are also small candles offered for students to take and hold during Taize.
“The candles are meant for the students, if they want to hold one,” says Alvarez. “There’s no special significance other than for the students to focus on the flame and concentrate, so that they may possible find themselves connected to the eternal flame of God.”
Taize has been around for at least a decade and has always been held on Wednesdays.
“I’ve been here for 7 years,” says campus ministry director Emilio Alvarez. “And the previous minister held Taize on Wednesdays, too.”
Alvarez explains the Taize community internationally developed out of a time where the world was very chaotic and violent.
“It was post-World War II,” says Alvarez. “Because of this, in short, Taize is supposed to be an international prayer of peace. People can come from many walks of life and find a commonality in prayer. They can be one unit, search for peace with God, and extend their own prayers for those not experiencing peace.”
If you are a student in need of a little stress relief or deep prayer with God, perhaps Taize is the right place for you. Taize is held at 9 p.m. Wednesday evenings at San Damiano.