Taizé touch

At mass this evening, the music director went over a new hymm before mass...he/we sang it once through. Then he noted that it was a Taizé chant...nice touch!

It was sung during communion and it was like being home...sounded so good. Not certain it's one of the 51 Taizé songs I now have...Jesus Christ, Bread of Life.

St. Viator's Taizé

Wow!!...again, a great Taizé service last night at St. Viator's chapel.

I arrived early (of course)...it's only 2.9 miles/7.5 minutes from the house. I wanted to meet some of those who plan and organize the service. I introduced myself to Brother Michael who knew of me from his past conversation with Fr. Mick (my old HS teacher and now President of St. Viators HS in AH.) I also met Gerry who sent me a nice Taizé reminder email earlier that morning...she must have gotten my info from Mick as well.

They introduced me to a few others who were assisting in lighting all the candles and preparing the chapel. One woman was from Springfield (too) and went to HS a few years ahead of me. I knew the last name but not her. We all spoke of the Viatorian's we know and found it to be a small world...with very few Viatorian's around these days, it is very small.

I went into the chapel early to get in the mood. I began to sense that the crowd of 50 or so I experienced in June was not going to happen that night...eventually about 25 or so were in attendance--perfectly fine. I sat and read the words to the 4 songs before hand.

Brother Mike got up and introduced himself noting that the service would be a bit different. He noted that it was the one year anniversary of Brother Roger's murder in Taizé, France this month and so, framed pictures of him were on the alters and we were going to read a prayer that he wrote.

I saw that Rich and Karen arrived after me. They were the surprise attendees I ran into when I came to this service back in June. Rich is the coordinator for one of my clients...was nice to see him again. Of course, I knew he would be there since he sent me a reminder email over the w/e and has mentioned that he's been going for over a year now.

The service began with Benedictus (Blessing and praise)--singing the English version...repeating many times...took a bit to get in the mood, but I eventually got there. After the first song, one of the Brother's went to the front alter to light his personal candle then walked back to the group and began to light others...nice to see the dark space become a bit more light with the flicker of 25 candles...as the sun set behind the stained glass windows...now I'm in the mood!

The 2nd song begins, another Latin, sung in English...Bonum est confidere (It is good to trust). Repetition of the song continued for several minutes...and for some reason I was overcome and silently wept...tears streaming down my cheeks as I sang the simple words...*trust and hope in the Lord*.

The song ended and another Brother then read Sundays Gospel from John... my favorite part--"I am the bread of life." (love that song too)

After the reading, individuals approached the alters and placed their candles in the sand...pausing to say a prayer in silence. So very moving to see some on their knees in deep prayer. As this was going on the third song, which I know so well is being sung--Bless the Lord. The cantor and music for the evening were so so good. A piano, a flute or some sort of wind and a small string (I think?) and a great voice! They are all up in a little balcony behind us, so I have no clue what was all up there...but it was truly heavenly.

After the third song, the cantors read a few petitions; mostly for the youth of the world...then individuals could voice their petitions aloud...I was silent--too many important petitions to mention.

Then there was about 8-10 minutes of silent prayer. The first time I experienced that long silence, I was just waiting/wanting the next song to begin. This time, I knew the drill and pulled out my finger rosary and said three rounds of Hail Mary's with an Our Father each time...perfect timing. Then we all read Brother Roger's prayer and said the Our Father.

Then the fourth song.
Laudate Dominum...sung in Latin...another song I know oh so well and what a great way to end the service.

I was truly at peace at 8:30 that night...what a great feeling! Hard to describe the real joy and peace that this type of worship/prayer brings me.

I chatted with Rich and Karen after the service and we talked about trying to get others to attend. I've not asked anyone in person--only via the old blog. I plan to approach and invite a few who I think would enjoy the evening. I shared a copy of a new Taizé CD with Rich since he shared some with me last month. I also passed along my success story of getting someone from out of town/many miles away to attend Taizé and that she wants to get it started at her parish...I guess one person can make a difference. We also spoke of getting together to attend the OP Taizé...

Let us be on our Taizé way!

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Cross/alter image is from the Viatorian chapel.

Taizé Resumes

Well, I've retooled my blogging efforts and will begin to post here all items that are Taizé.

Let us be on our Taizé way...