The experience of praying together with 4,000 youth coming from different countries, sharing the simplicity of life, praying to God with others belonging to other Christian faiths, and the spirit of unity, forgiveness and peace which is breathed in Taizé, has filled the hearts of the Recollect youth to continue their Augustinian commitment of faith. Because in Taizé, they explain with clarity that this so strong spiritual experience is something passing. Taizé is a stop on the way, a source to reenergize oneself and then to return to the reality of daily living with a renewed self. It is the commitment that the participants in this Easter 2010 took for themselves “From Taizé . . . to life.”
Sign of Unity
Today the community of Taizé gathers hundreds of brethren, Catholics and those coming from various Protestant origins from more than thirty countries. By its very existence, the community is a concrete sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and separated peoples. The brethren live by their work. The do not accept any donation. Neither they accept for themselves their inheritance, but the community donates them to the poorest.
With the passing of the years, more and more youth from all continents gather in Taizé to participate in the encounters. With the passing of the years, more and more youth from all continents gather in Taizé to participate in the encounters. The Sisters of Saint Andrew, an international Catholic community founded more than seven centuries ago, the Polish Ursuline Sisters and the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul are given the charged of welcoming the youth.
Also, men of the Church also visit Taizé. The community has received Pope John Paul II, three Archbishops of Canterbury, Greek Patriarchs, fourteen Swiss Lutheran bishops and numerous pastors from the all over the world.