br. Matthew

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

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

On Tuesday evening, 16 December, at the Collège des Bernardins, there was a presentation of the latest book by His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church: "Ukraine, 365 Days of Suffering and Hope. Daily Chronicle of the First Year of War in Ukraine." Brother Matthew was asked to review the book, in recognition of the community’s constant fidelity alongside Ukraine. Here is the full text he read: When I arrived in Taizé, I was struck by Brother Roger’s commitme

In a fraternal atmosphere, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the great challenges of Christian unity, the ecumenical witness of Taizé for more than seventy years, and the commitment of young people to peace and justice. In addition, Brother Matthew presented Pope Leo with a booklet containing messages written by young people currently on long-term volunteer stays in Taizé. This audience marks a new stage in the bonds of trust and dialogue between the Catholic Church and the ecumenic

On Easter Monday, the news of Pope Francis’ entry into the life of eternity reached Taizé as brothers and young people from many countries were together for common prayer. During the celebration, Brother Matthew spoke the following prayer, and then the bells rang. Faithful God, we thank you for the life of our dear Pope Francis, whom you called to be with you this morning. He rests in your light, having given his life in the service of your Gospel, in the mystery of communion that is the Body of