Taize! I’ve just wrote the name and I feel already moved. I interpret in this French village for the first time, the smile of God. Find peace within. I learn to trust the human family. I know many cultures. Find a reason to live. I'm young and free.
- "Oh mister driver, which is our route '?" Asked Alice, my teacher at the French Institute.
- "The route, which route? We go by land ', said with a smile. The breath of the red wine impregnates the rear seats. The laughs are already there. The bus looks like an old tin can scrap. The only thing missing was the lack of professionalism of the driver.
- "Our destination is not exactly Braga, 'says one of my traveling companions, not without concern. Fortunately, the initial uneasiness is muted by guitar chords and happy voices. 19 in total. With other young people I share a dream: Travel to Taizé, a community situated in a small village in southern France.
After endless switchbacks, old tin scrap arrives at its destination. Taizé anoint my youth with new scents. The music in nightclubs is replaced by silence. The Portuguese hegemony by a fantastic mix of cultures. The fashionable garments trade for the simplicity of 'brothers' religious who live here. The comfort of my room by the modesty of the wards. The exquisite cuisine for the unpretentious food. An unknown world which gives me a renewed existential dimension.
A new me
- 'Susan, Susan. " My voice is but a whisper. I try to wake my friend without disturbing the other girls who sleep in the ward. It is five in the morning. The sun has not colored the sky with its light rays. Seduced by the singing of birds, I turn to the Orthodox church, in another part of the enclosure. I want to attend the religious ceremonies at 06:00 am. Without delay, I sit on cold wooden stools. We are just five, five 'brave'. The celebrant speaks a strange language. Despite not understanding a word, never forget her look wise and penetrating. And smile. Sincere and honest.
After this enriching experience, a path towards the lake. The morning is seasoned with the sweet smell of spring. I need to meditate. My daily life does not always satisfy me. Like any other girl, I want to succeed in life. I intend to finish my university course. Achieve professionally and personally fulfiment. Desire to find new friends. Deepen old ones. Meet that special someone who will make me a better human being. Do not want to be like some people I know. Futile, frustrated, bitter with life. I need to find peace. Courage. Communion. Here I am getting. Staying in Taizé is to share the hope that one day we will be sufficiently skilled to make the world more downright.
"Est-ce tu parles français? Awake, confused, in my whirlwind of thoughts. The French book that I have the lap slide to the floor. A blond boy looks at me intently. His eyes reveal marine gentleness and sympathy. Say yes. With a smile accomplice, we went to the place of meals. Eating is imperative.
One unforgettable Sunday
São 09:00 am. Of my ward, I hear the bells resonate. Time for one more religious celebration. But this is special. Easter Sunday. Full of Happiness, contemplate the magnificent image that is obtained from inside the enclosure. Thousands of children, youth, adults, old people sit on the floor. They are like small colored dots on the horizon. Brazilians, Chinese, Americans, Frenchmen, the whole world is here. Moved, leaf through the pages of guides to sing. With one voice. A candle is passed from hand to hand. Behold the light of brotherhood.
Following are the work of groups. Yes, because the reflections of the word are extremely rewarding. There are many, however, prefer silence. Total and absolute. So live for seven, fifteen days, some for nearly a month. Another way to find inner peace.
12:00 am. Lunch is served with joy. In all tables, can be heard laughing and phrases spoken in multiple languages. I hasten to finish my meal. I'm on duty. In Taizé all work. The washing bathrooms and dormitories. The serving food. Me and my group have to do dishes. Not 100 or 200 people, but about five thousand. Thankfully, we face the task lightly. While frantically rub thousands of plates, cups and cutlery, I look around me. I am faced with the gentle smile of Polish Jarec. Gretha of German. The Swedish Inge. Brazilian Gilberto. And many others. Life in the Taizé community is indivisible.
There are only a few hours to return to Portugal. While I learn to say 'how are you? "In nine languages, think of all the moments experienced here. Not yet gone and I miss you already. Thank you, Taizé! You taught me to cross the paths of ecumenism. You showed me peace. Paint my youth of strong colors and innovative. You helped me find a reason to live.
Taizé
A brief history
The project dates back to 1940. The founder of Taizé - Brother Roger – left his home country, Switzerland, came to live in France, the land of his mother. In 1945, along with sister Genevieve, welcomes German prisoners of war interned in a camp near Taizé. At Easter 1949, seven young people commit themselves to live in celibacy and community life. In "God can only love" Brother Roger writes - "Little by little grew on me the conviction that it was essential to create a community of men determined to give his whole life, always seeking to understand each other and reconcile if: a community where kindness of heart and simplicity were the center of everything. "
