Loyolans get chance to reflect at Taizé
Posted by charliestreehouse on April 29, 2011
Taize cross
By Matt Graham
It’s a quiet alternative to iPhones, Facebook and Twitter. It’s Taizé style prayer at Loyola University Chicago’s Madonna Della Strada Chapel.
Taizé prayer, made up of song and meditation, originated from the Taizé Community of Monks in France. The order is devoted to justice and peace through prayers and meditation and was founded by Brother Roger Schutz in 1940.
Recently, the community has become an important site for Catholic and Christian pilgrimages for young people where they are encouraged to live in the spirit of kindness, simplicity and reconciliation.
At Loyola, the tradition of Taizé is practiced at 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays and lasts about an hour. The university web-page for the event says Taizé, “quickly grabs your intellect and promises to renew your spirit,” through a service of music, scripture and meditation.
Programs handed out at the events encourage participation through prayer and especially through song. The program reads, “No matter what singing voice you have been given, it is a gift and should be shared. Do not be afraid to sing!”
The service is accompanied by musicians an a choir led by Steven Betancourt to supplement the voices of the participants.
A second component to the service is silent meditation. The program explains that while science may be difficult for some, being silent in the presence of God and being open to the Holy Spirit is in and of itself a prayer.
Charles Gallagher, a sophomore biology major, attended Taizé for a school assignment but said he would consider returning.
”It was actually a really nice break to be able to sing and sit in prayer right in the middle of the week like that,” said Gallagher, 20, “and I like to sing so that was cool too.”
Students are encouraged to learn more about the International, ecumenical community f Taizé by visiting their website at www.Taize.fr/en.
