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The National Youth Gathering (JNJ) of Peru took place from July 30 to August 2. Our community was invited by the National Youth Ministry to lead times of prayer and, for this purpose, we worked together with the Augustinian Sisters of the Monastery of the Incarnation in Lima. The city that hosted the National Youth Day (JNJ) was Chulucanas, a city of around 70,000 inhabitants located in the north of the country. With an average temperature of 25°C throughout the year, it is best known for the wa

In a few moments Pamela will speak to us about listening, but before that, I wanted to share some thoughts about the Feast of the Transfiguration, that we celebrate today. This morning I took part in the life-commitment of two sisters of the Community of Grandchamp, in Switzerland, one from Latvia and the other from Sweden, whom I had known before they became sisters. It was a great joy to witness them saying yes to Christ to live their whole lives in community. During the service I had to speak

In a moment, Ombara, who comes from Kenya and is spending a year with us, will speak. But first, some thoughts on Sunday's Gospel: Matthew's account of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus withdraws by boat to a deserted place after learning of John the Baptist's death. He needs time alone, to pray and reflect. But when he arrives, a huge crowd is already waiting — his planned retreat is undone. How do we react when our plans are frustrated? Do we turn inward and grow disappointed, or do we a

During this week, wherever you are from, you have all come with your own challenges. I hope that the times of sharing and common prayer have helped you discover a deeper unity in the midst of your diversity. Listening to people who are different from us can be a real gift. It helps us overcome the barriers behind which we so easily hide and resist the traps of polarisation and prejudice, which promise security but ultimately bring only sadness and isolation. Are we ready for that challenge? Para

When I look at the dry meadows around us, this naturally raises questions about our concern for the care of God's creation, our common home. What steps can each one of us take in order to contribute to safeguarding the beauty of creation so that everyone can continue to enjoy it? At the same time, I wonder: are we beings of thirst? And if so, what is it that we are thirsting for? Like the earth, we too sometimes have to live in the waiting for rain. But do we dare to follow our deepest thirst? I

On 29 December 2012, brothers of our Taizé Community were gathered for prayer in St Peter’s Square with 45,000 young people, during our European Meeting, which was being held in Rome, together with Pope Benedict XVI. Little did we know that this would be one of his last major public appearances before he announced his resignation on 11 February 2013. As the cardinals gathered for the conclave to elect the new Pope, I was travelling for the community in Russia. On 13 March, I was staying with a C

On the feast of Pentecost, 24–25 May 2026, two brothers from the Taizé Community took part in a meeting in Baden entitled “A Day Like in Taizé.” Around 300 people participated in the gathering, and about 600 people joined the Sunday evening prayer. Most came from different parts of Switzerland, while others travelled from abroad, including Germany, England, and Finland. “A Day Like in Taizé” was part of DisputNation, through which the town of Baden is marking the 500th anniversary of the Baden D

Two brothers from Taizé, and a consecrated laywoman who has lived for many years with the brothers of Taizé in Brazil, spent five weeks as a temporary community in Alta Gracia, in the province of Cordoba, Argentina. They were joined by three young volunteers, two of whom had previously served as volunteers in Taizé. Here is their account: The fact that there were six of us, of different ages, genders, personalities, and church backgrounds, was a great source of richness. It provided a diversity

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, the 2026 Taizé Asian Youth Gathering was held from April 30 to May 3 at St. Benedict Parish, Sha Tin. Over 330 young Christians from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Europe gathered for a four-day spiritual journey under the theme “Messengers of Hope.” Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, welcomed the youth, stating, “Even though we come from different cultures and different churche

Many of you have come this week, from different parts of Germany but also from several dioceses of France, as well as from Sweden and Lithuania. Other countries are also represented at Taizé, and let us not forget those who come from Africa, Asia and the Americas, particularly among the volunteers who live here for longer periods and who support the weekly meetings. Welcome to you all! In a moment, two of you will ask me a question and I will try to answer, but before that I would like to share

Following Pope Leo's invitation to pray for peace in the world, Saturday evening the prayer will be dedicated to peoples suffering from war. Prayer Risen Christ, we hear you say, as you said to your friends after rising from the dead, "Peace be with you!" In our troubled world, in our wounded creation, we want to welcome your peace, so that it may transform our lives and the lives of those suffer because of war. By your Holy Spirit, inspire and strengthen all who are seeking dialogue so that a

The threat of war with Iran was already looming when I flew to Tel Aviv on January 31. Was I going to be able to return? I couldn't count on it too much. My first night at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute allowed me to see the team again from Tantur. Many young people have bright memories of the beauty of the place and where the first welcome took place during our meeting in the Holy Land in May 2022. The wall that separates Israel from Palestine is only a few hundred meters away. The the next da