“The time of continuity has begun. The community shall remain faithful to the original intuitions of its founder: living simply, with the bare minimum of structures, commitment to life, common prayer, fraternity in the various continents, hospitality”. So said frère Alois Leser, prior of the monastic community of Taizé founded by frère Roger Schutz. No routine or ageing in the community, which is “part of the universal church. Right from the start said the new prior of Taizé ecumenism was present in the intention of frère Roger, on whom a deep impression had been made by John XXIII and Patriarch Athenagoras. He understood that unity in the church can be anticipated and did so courageously. The brothers who enter the community do not leave their church of origin; they take one further step in the practice of reconciliation in their life”. Continuity also with the Pope: a long-standing bond united the community with John Paul II, but close relations with Josef Ratzinger also date back many years: “Benedict XVI had received frère Roger back in 1978, when he (Ratzinger) was still archbishop of Munich, and they met again on various occasions thereafter recalls frère Alois ; indeed frère Roger was able to meet the new Pope the day following his installation. The continuity of relations with Rome, fostered by the visits that frère Roger made to Rome every year, is very important for us”. The founder of Taizé met a violent death: he was killed at the age of 90 on 16 August this year, attacked by a crazy 36-year-old Romanian woman who cut his throat while he was praying. The new prior of the community commented on the assassination of their founder as follows: “We are still left speechless by this gesture. The Gospel and faith can guide our existence to love, but evil is present in each human being”.
