Taizé with Deb

Last night I went to Viator's Taizé with my friend Deb. I knew she would be open to and would welcome and enjoy the experience and so I invited her to join me for an hour of peaceful prayer and worship.

As we sat down in the chapel, it was pretty dark...hard to read the words to the chants/songs...that's why I sit close to the rear alter with all the candles. I explained to Deb that she'll catch on to the words since they are repeated over many times...then she says--'oh, they are in Latin'.

The worship service began as usual with one of the Brothers introducing himself and explaining a bit of their process of worship. I was a bit concerned that not many people were there, then a few late comers came in, including my friend Rich.

We all sang the well known chants of:

Laudate omnes gentes
Ubi caritas
Beati
Magnificat

Well, they are now all well known to me these days as I listen to them often on the train...what a great playlist--51 songs of Taizé.

The service was beautiful as usual. A few tears shed as we began the service and of course some as I placed my candle on the alter and said a prayer to Christine.

After the service I introduced Deb to Rich and we shared our thoughts on the evening and its worth in our busy daily lives. Deb had a very busy day and this was her first time all day to really sit down and s l o w d o w n ... It was great to have Rich explain his desire to attend and what it means to him. We spoke of discipline and wanting to come vs. having to come. I missed seeing his wife, but we'll see her next month. I believe Deb really enjoyed the evening. I'm so happy to share this worship with others who appreciate it. A thanks to Deb for joining me and she'll be on the list for October...maybe we can have Mike and Carolyn join us.

This morning on the train ride to work...I created my own mini-Taizé service by playing the four chants in order of the service...nice to remind me of the peace I felt just 12 hours before.

Taizé is the way...

Ascension Taizé

Tonight I attended the Taizé worship at Ascension in Oak Park for only the second time. It happens to be the Church where Carolyn was Baptized and received her First Communion... a very ornate domed Church.

I arrived 45 minutes early, and there were already people entering the Church. The Church is currently under renovation and so it looks a mess...the pews are gone, replaced with chairs. I made my way to the front and sat in the 4th row....by 7 p.m. there were over 50 people there and of course by 7:30/start the place was packed. I estimate 350 to 400 people. That number amazes me! A Friday before a 3-day w/e and the place is packed with people who want to be there--not obligated to be there as on Sunday.

I did take issue with some of the attendees not heeding the notice to be silent (big written notice as you enter the church, verbal notice at 7 by the staffer and written on the program) before the service. Right behind me...acting as if it's a social hour--and one was a rather large monk...well, the evil eye did not work, so I finally had to resort to the 'do you mind' and they kind of got the hint but still gabbed--unreal. Made me want to get it started all the more so my BP would come down. Felt as if I was caught in a bad Seinfeld episode! --but I would not be denied peace and calm.....

Before the service began, a staffer noted a new song to be sung in Espanol and also said that this was the 14 year Taizé has been held at Ascension...yep-it shows...they know what they are doing.

And finally we begin...repeating the Latin 'O Christe Domine Jesu, O Christe Domine Jesu O...' followed by another repeated song, then the Spanish 'Cantemos Al Senor'...nice.

After these songs, a staffer stood and lite her candle...she spread the light to others around her who did the same...suddenly the Church was filled with candle light. Then, all standing, we sang Alleluia 17 and on the 4th Alleluia we all held our candle high...Wow-so moving! This repeated about 5 times or so. Then, with candles still lit, the Sunday Gospel was read. Then all were invited to bring their lit candle forward to place it on the alter steps in pots of sand...there are so many people, that there is really no time to stop and say a prayer as can be done at Viators...but still very moving to see this procession of light.

Then a very long period of silence...only time for 3.5 or so rounds on the finger rosary--praying (trying to recall from memory) for all those on my prayer blog...I think I remembered them all (including bird). Then the petitions, by cantor/staffer and all out loud. Then all holding hands saying the Our Father... Someplace in there, we sing and repeat Gospodi...

Concluding with a song called For the Fruits of All Creation...what a wonderful hour! Filled with great song, great worship & great peace was achieved. A needed experience at the end of a hard week.

All in all, it is very nice to experience the Spirit of Taizé with many others, but there is something to be said about the intimate group at Viators. I will continue to attend this service and keep spreading the word of this very powerful and moving type of worship.

Let us be on our Taizé way!