75 young people from Romania, Austria and France were hosted at the mother house of our congregation, accompanied by several Auxiliatrices from Romania, Germany, and France. These days were marked by several highlights, including two evening prayer services at the Accor Arena in Bercy, where all participants and the residents of the Île-de-France region were invited to take part.
Taking part in the European Taizé Meeting for the first time, I personally felt reminded of the idea of “retreats on the street.” Without necessarily being noticed or recognized as such by the people of Paris, by tourists, or by the flow of everyday life, Paris was filled with prayer during those days.
Between the times of prayer, the workshops, and all the organizational questions, I had the feeling that I was continuing to pray in the streets of Paris — quietly, with a little Taizé chant in my heart. This prayer continued somehow in the exchange on theological questions with the young people from Cluj, by the banks of the Seine, as we walked back from Bercy by night. (Sr. Elisabeth, Helper Sister from Germany)
“What are you seeking?”
This question has stayed with me since the Taizé meeting in Paris. During this year’s pilgrimage for peace, I walked many paths: through the streets of Paris, toward other people, and toward my own inner self. Along these paths I was searching for Him, and I found Him in the sunshine, in the songs, in listening to one another, in people’s vitality, in crossing language barriers, in hospitality, and in the joy that filled my heart on New Year’s Eve. I am grateful!
(Kiki from Cluj-Napoca, Romania)
“What are you seeking for?”
This quote from the Gospel, which was the theme of this year’s Taizé meeting in Paris, stayed with me throughout the week. What am I seeking for? What is important to me? And what would I answer if Jesus asked me this question?
This question was a constant companion during the meeting, whether in the sharing groups, the workshops or the prayers. The melodies and songs from Taizé, which are still present in my ears, allowed me to reflect on it again and again. In the end, I have to say: whatever I was looking for, I found it at the Taizé meeting in Paris. Thank you for that.
(Christoph from Graz, Austria)
“Different lives, one hope! Different voices, one prayer!”
Witnessing thousands of young Christians from all around Europe, from different denominations living and praying together displayed Hope, Peace and Unity. In Church, the chants, repetitive songs followed by silence helped me meditate and appreciate God more. Each day provided an opportunity to meet new people, gain fresh insights through experiences related to the Bible. I also understood more, the essence and the love of God in our lives. Among Strangers, I discovered a sense of Home. (Nonye, Nigerian, currently living in Austria)
“Travelling with God?”
Why not! I discovered the city of lights with God in my bagpack and many Taizé songs in my ear. Far from family and friends, some things in myself seem to develop while the year changes too. Many thanks to the helper sisters, who welcomed us and offered a home and food during this meeting! (Annelies from Graz, Austria)
What a wonderful adventure of welcoming experiences and enriching encounters! Out of sharing groups full of trust, workshops that got me to new places, prayers in the beautiful parisian churches and tempels, food distribution à la Taizé and spontanuous singing in the streets of Paris… I enjoyed the small meetings with old and new friends most. Taizé in Paris was exactly what I was looking for. (Sandra from Gand, Belgique)
