Triduum Taize

St. Ray's Taize at 3pm on Good Friday was supurb!!!

Taize reflections

It's been a while since I've shared a Taize experience...but they continue to be great times of song and quiet prayer...attending OP for 6-7 mo. while St. V's was on break--until tonight...
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I want to share the special evening I experienced this night before Jennie's birthday...

I have been attending the Taize prayer service at St. Viator's near me for a couple of years now, but it has been on hiatus for over 6 mo. due to construction near the Chapel and I was so so excited to have it back! (last year it was on Jennie's birthday)

I got there early, as I always do, to ensure a good seat...past attendance has varied from as little as a couple dozen to maybe just over 50...well, this night turned out to be over a 100! peeps really missed their Taize I guess. There were a lot of HS kids on the floor etc., & the music and quiet time were amazing as usual. I told myself that I would concentrate on Jennie and her birth and Christine too...and I did. I thought of you all in KC thinking about the birthday the next day, I pictured the old days w/ Jennie at camp, I even pictured D laying in his cell at that moment...

After the service, they have a little gathering and so I chatted w/ my friend Rich and his wife...we chatted for a bit about the new Taize CD I just bought and some other things...I left after them, after I tried to find a priest friend, but he was not around.

I got in the car, backed out of the spot, and began driving...about 25 feet or so down the long long driveway and noticed that the radio was not on K-Love (Christian Station)--which I always have on and rarely change the station...and did not remember changing it on the way to the Chapel...as I reached for the knob to change the station the '80's song by Tommy Tutone Jenny, Jenny (867-5309) came on........I just about crashed the car/ran over Rich and his wife...as I got to the end of the long driveway and thought of how perfect that timing was, I began to cry...& not just a tear down the cheek...it amazed me that I just sat for an hour in prayer thinking of her and then that song comes on...I thought about pulling over but did not... as the song ended about a 1/3 of the way home, I began to reach for the dial to change it to K-Love when the U2 song Beautiful Day came on! are you kidding me...the song we played in the car ride home when each of the girls were born...the song that played for a solid 20 minutes until we got home w/ our newborn angels--the song I can barely listen too because it reminds me of that glorious day in June '01 when we brought Christine home from the hospital...if I wasn't crying/balling hard after the 1st song, boy was I after that song started...and the song ended as I pulled up in front of the house...I sat in amazement in the car composing myself and thanking all those above who made that happen and blessed me that night...

---I know that angel Jennie was there with me that night...letting me know that she and Christine are alright and basking in His glory...& sending down those two songs back to back --wow!

Taizé again... at Ascension

Well, since Taizé was cancelled at Viators for the summer/fall...I've not been since May...really missed it in June.

So tonight I went to my large/great Taizé service at Ascension...have not been since September '06? So, it was about time to return.

I arrived at 6:40, a full 50 minutes before the start of 7:30...noticing a few others and of course noticing the church renovation had been completed. The pews replaced the chairs, the paint was complete...the whole place looked great.

I settled in the 5th pew center/right on the end...pulling out the finger rosary for a few rounds. I sat and observed those entering the Holy space, those prepping the alter with candles...it was so nice to be back there.

As the 7pm bells rang, a couple dozen were already in their pews. At 7:30 the bells rang and rang and rang...must be the 'calling' of those w/in ear shot to come to service.

The 1st song was new to me, but set the mood...Spiritus Jesu Christi. The pew became a bit crowded as I let 4 people 'squeeze' in at the 11th hour...the place was packed of course. I again was in amazement of the strength of the voices present--all there wanted to be there for sure.

The 2nd song was Nothing can ever ... come between us and the love of God...what a true song. Another newer song to me...which is good--It's been a while since I've just sat on the train and listened to Taizé songs, so hearing some new ones was good. As I sat/sang/reflected, I wondered if tears would come...my spirits were good, so who knew. I could not foresee what would hit me when.

Well, the Alleluia with all those raising their lit candles was a start to a tear...it is so awesome to hear that song and see the crowd all in unison. The scripture, not the Gospel, did not hit home...as most do, but Ubi caritas was so nice--a familiar song.

After the long silence, where I said a few rounds of the finger rosary, the kyrie was another classic touch. Well, the hour had really flown by...and off to the final song...This is My Song...and yet another new song...so, I read and sung along and then I became aware of when the tears would come. The song spoke of all Gods wonder in nature and one line was perfectly timed for my life...

But other lands have sunlight too, and clover and skies are everywhere as blue as mine.

A few weeks back now on 6/16/07, my brother and I went on a long bike ride along the Mississippi River...at a spot where Fr. Marquette landed, there was a large cross that had been erected and dedicated by Bishop Griffin (my high-school). At that site, I took a close-up picture of a clover flower ... and just two days ago, I made it the background desktop picture on thsi home PC...not sure why I did either of those things...taking a picture of it and then wating a few weeks to us it just days before I hear about it in song...oh yes, the tears were there. I've also taken a lot of suntset type pictures of the sky these last few weeks...noting the blue and orange and streaks...and noting that she is prensent in my life...thank you Christine.

Cancelled

Last night at the May Taize...it was announced that Taize at St. Viator's has been cancelled until Oct or maybe Nov!! That announcement hurt! Gotta start checking out the other locations around...man it still stings. I love that hour of peace.

St. Celestine Taizé

Last night (10.20) was my first attendance at this Taizé service at St. Celestine Catholic Church. Now that I've been to more than a handful of services at various locations...I'm a bit hesitant to try something new--fear of a bad or rather 'not up to par' experience. Well, this was very peaceful but not the same as Viator’s or Ascension...but that's ok. First the technical (engineer) review...then the spiritual review.

The church is very beautiful...water fountain out from, lots of stained glass, and plenty of faithful people. I estimate that there were about 40 people there. The music and singing were nice but just nice a well tuned as the cantor and musicians at the other services I attend. The program/service included a procession up to the alter with incense...which was nice...yet another sense to enjoy besides hearing and seeing. The one complaint I have is that there was too much standing (and too bright) and then sitting back down...hard to keep in focus on prayer with all the movement. We stood for readings, which there is usually only one, but 2 here, and we stood for other parts--like the lighting of the candles...which they did a similar raising up to the alleluia...just not the same impact w/o 400 people doing it. But still a nice service.

I tried to focus my prayers and attention on others verses the usual me and Christine...it makes me wonder what others come for...what peace do they seek. The long quiet time was nice...the lights were turned down and it was so peaceful...bet it beautiful at sunset with all the stain glass.

As I walked out, I thanked the cantor, who I think was a deacon or brother. As I entered, I did notice that they ask for $ for the replenishing the candles...I must ask Viator’s if they will accept a donation for that...a donation from the Christine Memorial Fund will support that effort if they allow me to do so.

Overall it was worthwhile and I thank the people of St. Celestine for providing the very peaceful Taizé service

10.11 Taize

As aways...I attended the Viators Taize. I will not miss this gift He's given us if I can help it. I did miss the OP Tiaze last Friday and that hurt. But I wanted to support the St. Joe's peeps back home at their fundraiser that same evening...so priorities are adjusted.

Taize tonight was excellent again. My parents friend Bro. Jim was part of the musical group (4) playing the flute... and what a great sound they were. I have not worn a watch in a few weeks as my watch lost battery power...so I had no sense of time this evening and it was great...I thought the worship was not long enough but I'm certain it was exactly one hour as it always is. I could have gone for more...a tough week to say the least. The music and singing has never been better...that you for your gift to us.

Instead of praying for me, Christine, family etc. I concentrated on a few real immediate needs of friends. They need health, they need support, they need $, they need His help at this time...so I prayed for little Ben, Laura and a child that passed away last week. His will be done.

Again, Rich was present, as if I had any doublt...even though he was on vacation. Was good to chat w/ him and a Viatorian priest I don't know--is that possible--after the service.

Again, I owe the Viatorians a great big thank you for the service. I only wish others would join me...a small invite yielded no attendees this time.

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!

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...