Young people of Taizé in Rome

December 28, 2012 - An estimated 40,000 young people from across Europe have converged on the Italian capital, Rome, for 6 days of prayer, reflection and life with parishes, families and religious communities in and around the city in what is described as their annual "pilgrimage of trust." The 35th European meeting of young people is being organized from December 28 to January 2 by the Taize Ecumenical Community, an ecumenical monastic order based in Taizé, France, composed of Protestant and Catholic monks, who are committed to peace and justice through prayer and meditation. It was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schutz, a Protestant. During the six days in Rome, the young people and monks will hold prayer services in their host parishes and seven large churches, attend workshops and visit places of faith. Saturday afternoon, they will be the guests of Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica, where they will pray and sing with him. Brother Alois, the Prior of the Taize Community said the prayer with the Pope will be a moment of joy of the Gospel. As many young people today are going through difficult economic times, they need to go to the source of faith that brings them joy and encouragement. After the Rome rally, a delegation of 100 young people from various countries will proceed to Istanbul, Turkey, where they will celebrate the Feast of Epiphany.