This week brings a double anniversary to Taizé: the 80th anniversary of Brother Roger’s first arrival in Taizé on August 20th, 1940, and the 15th anniversary of his death on August 16th, 2005.
Words of Brother Alois
This date of August 20th brings to mind the beginning of a foundation that had already been maturing in Brother Roger’s heart for several years. It slowly developed into a step-by-step quest, with much probing, hesitation and doubt, until the decisive moment of the first brothers’ life commitment at Easter 1949. This founding dynamism of Brother Roger then became apparent throughout his life, expressed in particular in the writing of the Rule, and later of the Sources of Taizé.
It is well worth meditating on Brother Roger’s way of doing things and letting ourselves be inspired by it. When he left his country to come to Taizé, he had no definite plan drawn up in advance. He did not know what God expected of him in the long term. He only knew that he had to start and he was ready to take a first step. By taking a first step, we discover the second and then little by little the next steps along the way. It is this approach that he pursued all his life. This is what the date of August 20th can symbolise for us.
Prayer for August 20th
Like each day, Brother Alois’ prayer is published online here.
Living God, on this day we praise you for the calling you gave to our brother Roger. Eighty years ago he came to Taizé with the desire to introduce a spiritual life in a region where women and men were victims of one of the great rifts in the world. Following in his footsteps, you invite us to be witnesses of communion, so that Christians may be united and help your peace to shine forth in humanity.
Some articles to read
In English
- Article [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-08/brother-roger-lives-on-in-taize-community-after-15-years.html] on the site of Vatican News
In French
- Interview [https://eglise.catholique.fr/approfondir-sa-foi/vivre-sa-foi-a-tous-les-ages/lunite-des-chretiens/503292-frere-alois-accueillant-jeunes-a-taize-voulons-etre-hommes-decoute/] with Br Alois on the site of the Catholic Church in France
- Article [https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/bourgogne-franche-comte/jamais-frere-roger-n-aurait-voulu-creer-culte-autour-lui-il-y-15-ans-fondateur-taize-etait-assassine-1861776.html] on the site of France 3 Bourgogne
- Article [https://www.cath.ch/newsf/taize-80-ans-de-decouverte-du-christ-sans-limite/] on the site of cath.ch
In Italian
- Interview [https://www.osservatoreromano.va/it/news/2020-08/fratel-roger-e-la-continuita-di-un-incontro.html] with Br Alois in the Osservatore Romano