Celebrate Christ, the source of peace and communion. Pray, sing, be in silence and talk about the faith.

 Be welcomed in families, to share with people from other cultures and experience the life of other Christians in Cotonou.

 Experience the Church as a ferment of unity in the human family.

 Search for paths of solidarity around you.

The international young adult meeting in Cotonou from 31 August to 4 September 2016 is a stage of the "pilgrimage of trust on earth" undertaken by the Taizé Community (France).

This meeting aims to support young people in their spiritual quest. It is an encouragement to deepen trust in God, in oneself and in others. It invites us to be attentive to the signs of hope around us and to take responsibility to become a leaven of peace and trust in the Church and in society.

The daily program includes prayer together and a time of sharing in the morning in the parishes, and in the afternoon at a central location.

Hospitality is an essential aspect of the pilgrimage. Participants from outside will be welcomed by and accommodated in families.

Each day, transportation will be organized to and from the host parish and the central location.

Coming to the Cotonou meeting means taking part in the entire program and preparing oneself in advance.

Practical Information

Dates: Wednesday, August 31 to Sunday, September 4, 2016.

Participants must be between 18 to 35 years old.

Housing is in families.

Meals are simple and served in the central place at midday and evening. (Breakfast in the family).

Participation in the costs of the meeting is adapted to the possibilities of each participant.

Registration deadline: 1 August 2016!

More practical information:
If you reside in Africa, click here.
If you do not reside in Africa, click here.

How to begin preparing already?

1. Pray with your local community. This will help make the trip a spiritual journey, in connection with your parish, group or movement. Song list.

2. Reflect with others on the 2016 Letter of Br Alois The Courage of Mercy Entrust ourselves to God who is mercy ; Forgive again and again ; Draw near to a situation of distress, alone or with a few others ; Extending mercy to its social dimensions ; Mercy for the whole of creation.

A list of themes for reflection is available.

3. Look for and meet with the witnesses of hope around you.

4. Prepare tokens of friendship to share in Cotonou : photo album with pictures of your family and youth group, children drawings, songs...

5. Watch the presentation film.

Documents for the group leaders

The program
Logo
Map to reach welcome point: le collège Père Aupiais