A Community Called Taizé: A Story of Prayer, Worship and Reconciliation

by Jason Brian Santos, Desmond Tutu (Foreword)

Taizé--the word is strangely familiar to many throughout the contemporary church. Familiar, perhaps, because the chanted prayers of Taizé are well practiced in churches throughout the world. Strangely, however, because so little is known about Taizé--from its historic beginnings to how the word itself is pronounced. The worship of the Taizé community, as it turns out, is best understood in the context of its greater mission. On the day Jason Brian Santos arrived in the Taizé community its leader was brutally murdered before his eyes. Instead of making Santos want to leave, the way the community handled this tragedy made him long to stay and learn more about this group of people who could respond to such evil with grace and love. In this book he takes us on a tour of one of the world's first ecumenical monastic orders, from its monastic origins in the war-torn south of 1940s France to its emerging mission as a pilgrimage site and spiritual focal point for millions of young people throughout the world. In A Community Called Taizé you'll meet the brothers of the order and the countless visitors and volunteers who have taken upon themselves a modest mission: pronouncing peace and reconciliation to the church and the world.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Music, Theology

180 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2008

Reviews

[Clark Isaacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

HISTORY RELIGIOUS ORDER
A Community Called Taizé
A Story of Prayer, Worship and Reconciliation
By: Jason Brian Santos
Published by: Intervarsity Press P. O. Box 1400, Downers Grove, Il 60515-1426
Photographs 33 Taken by author
204 Pages
Softcover $15.00
ISBN: 978-0-8308-3525-6

100,000 Pilgrims come to Taizé annually to participate in a unique Christian communal prayer experience where on almost any given day they become a part of this community’s 6,000 worshippers. Jason Brian Santos wrote about this Burgundy France locale at the request of the Brothers of Taizé. He suggested others would like to learn about the history of the church and why it was special. They trusted him immediately to commence writing.

Santos describes his journey to this community in 2005 and abruptly he has a surreal experience when at the very first prayer meeting, Brother Roger, founder and Prior of Taizé, is murdered occurring just 30 feet from Jason. Brother Roger was 90 years old when he was killed by a deranged woman. Followers of Taizé were shocked and at his funeral 15,000 attended from all over the world.

Historically, this community was purchased by Brother Roger in 1940. He provided refuge for many Jews during the war and had to remain away from his beloved church when the Gestapo was after him because of his humanitarianism. He returned to Taizé when the Nazis retreated and reestablished his commune with God. In the early years, a few Brothers joined in the monastic life that Brother Roger led. As of today, the number of Brothers has grown to over 100 . Church services are conducted 3 times daily. The Brothers, Pilgrims, and other visitors all join together in meditations with specialized chants, music, and periods of silence.

When reading the first nine chapters of A Community Called Taizé you are taken on a devotional journey through the early years and the growth of a community which is based upon three themes which are the Taizé experience. These are reconciliation, freedom, and trust. Pilgrims are primarily young people, as it is believed by the Brothers, they are the ones to whom the future belongs. Reaching out with absolute trust is one of the cornerstones of this religious practice. Santos believes churches miss a moving experience when they do not invest in these themes.

One short-coming is the final chapter Importing Taizé. Santos becomes an advocate of the French experience trying to influence North American churches. This detracts from a general reading audience.

Understanding another’s commune with God and adopting some of Brother Roger’s methods into your own worship is what makes this book an inspiration which is meaningful.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I noticed this book years ago when it first was released. However, I didn't really have time to read it then and it eventually became lost in my list of other books to read. Recently, though, I have become aware of a couple places in my community that provide services with Taize-type prayers. In light of that, I decided to read this book to learn more about the community and the services that are modeled after it. While I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, I found myself really enjoying the book more than I thought I would. There are a few reasons for this:

First, having spent some time in Germany and having visited France, the book reminded me of places I visited and I could easily visualize what the community and surrounding countryside must look like based on the author's description in the first couple chapters.

Second, I enjoyed learning about the history of the place and how it was shaped from Brother Roger's experiences and general cultural and historical influences.

But most of all, I could almost feel the sense of reconciliation and peace that the Taize community must exude from reading the book. Through the pages of the book, I could almost sense the peace, trust, and reconciliation that is the community's ethos.

I doubt if I will ever make it back to France to stay a week at Taize. But based on what I read in the book I feel encouraged to attend a Taize-type service in my community. And as I do so I think the book has better prepared me to understand what the services are about based on the original community.

[Siân’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by my minister as I am going to Taizé later this year. The book gives a insight into the founding of the community called Taizé. It offers an insight into the daily life there, experiences of others. It offers an insight into why thousands of people go to Taizé each year. A must read for anyone interested in the Taizé community or is thinking of visiting it.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered what Taize is all about, this is the book. Santos does a great job explaining the history, philosophy, and ecumenical importance of this praying community, geared toward young people and reconciliation of estranged branches of Christianity.

[Enlik Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My encounter with Taize community was happened in Germany, while finally I decided to visit this little village in France. Reading this book gave me some knowledge from the perspective of author who came to Taize around twenty years ago. His experiences in Taize still relevant to me even after twenty years.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly, the reading of this book has been done over some several weeks. Santos has produced an accessible introduction to the Taize phenomenon. Part autobiography, part personal faith journal, part travel guide and part analysis, Santos has crafted a piece that speaks to the mind, heart and spirit of the reader. He explores the figure of Brother Roger and his followers. He analyses the monastic character of the Taize community life. He looks at the rhythms of a week viewed through the lens of his own experience. Further to all this, Santos gives some practical suggestions about bringing a little of the Taize spirit to where you happen to be and offers some tips on travelling to Taize. Any searching person looking for more about Taize will find something in Santos' book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modest and wonderful book about a protestant monastic community in France. Pray services are three times daily, and instead of a sermon, the chanting, songs and spoken prayers culminate in silence instead of a sermon. That is something I could really go for.

[Michelle Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. if you have ever participated in a Taizé service and want to know about the actual community in France, read this book. I met Santos when I was in Taizé in January and bought the book. I'm passing the book on to my parents when I finish.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great informative read whether you were thinking about going to Taize France or not.

[Kiersten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, very interesting. I want to visit Taize now :)

[Ellen Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy to read explanation of what Taize is but doesn't go very deep. basic introduction.