TAIZÈ COMMUNITY
The capital of the Czech Republic will open its doors to thousands of youths from across Europe. A meeting from December 29 to January 2
Tens of thousands of young people from all over Europe are expected in Prague December 29 to attend the 37th European meeting organized by the Taizé Community, ongoing until January 2. The event takes place on the invitation of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic and the Czech Bishops’ Conference. The program traditionally provides some simple elements: the exchange of ideas and experience in international groups, collective prayers, meetings and workshops on the theme, time to spend with the hosting families. Exchange of spiritual goods. “These young people encourage us to move forward towards full communion. I speak mainly of the Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants who gather at international meetings organized by the Taizé Community,” said Pope Francis during the recent apostolic journey to Turkey and the meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew. The ecumenical dimension and the spirit of friendship attract the attention of young people who will convene for the European meeting in Prague. “We will pray together for peace in our hearts and for peace throughout the world. I would be really happy if young Europeans could exchange their ‘spiritual gifts’. We know how much spiritual renewal in young people is needed both in the west as in the eastern part of our continent”, reads the message of Cardinal Dominik Duka, Archbishop of Prague and president of the Bishops’ Conference, who added that this meeting could constitute “a challenge and an opportunity” for young people. According to Cardinal Duka, hospitality and openness have always been a feature of the Czech nation, embedded within and strengthened by the Gospel, adopted by its predecessors over a thousand years ago. “I hope that the forthcoming European meeting of young people will remind us of our traditional hospitality and that it will bring peace and confidence in our families and in the inhabitants of our neighbourhoods,” concludes the message. This year’s event will have a special flavour thanks to the participation of thousands of young people from Ukraine and Russia, countries severely affected by the conflict in recent months. Choosing love. Preparations have been underway for months, in the spirit of reflection on the European meeting of Taizé which was held in Prague 24 years ago, only two years after the fall of communism. Although the main program of the meeting of Taizé will take place from December 29 to January 2, several interesting events have already taken place in the first days of December. The presentation of the book “Choosing love” commemorating Frère Roger, founder of Taizé, was the highlight of the initiative on December 3. The volume contains fragments of his books and letters, unpublished interviews, along with passages from his unfinished works. The main program of this festival of joy and friendship will begin on December 29th. The inhabitants of Prague – young and less young – are in agreement with the representatives of the Christian Churches: “This deep expectation is palpable, and it finds expression in a certain kindness, a special sense of beauty and a sincere heart that we see everywhere around us.” Seeking spirituality. Workshops on Biblical and spiritual subjects, on themes related to social engagement, Europe, music, art, history, will take place in various parts of the city. Young people will reflect on science and faith, on the calling of God, the search for faith in contemporary movie production, on the stories of the Church in hiding, the sense of solidarity, human economy, the protection of the rights of minorities, with the support of about 200 local groups of volunteers who will ensure a successful outcome of the initiatives. Joel Ruml, President of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic, welcomed the fact that the venue of the meeting is a country that is “rediscovering the quest for spirituality”. He said he wishes the event will be seen not only as a meeting of Christians but as a “community open to all”, a real path of evangelization. For further information: www.taizepraha.cz
