Pope’s blessing to 25,000 gathering for Taizé meet in Strasbourg

December 27, 2013 - Pope Francis has sent his greetings and blessing to some 25,000 young people from the Ecumenical Taizé community of Europe who on Saturday are starting 3 days of prayer, fellowship, seminars and reflection in Strasbourg, France. The Taize Community’s 36th annual European meeting is being organized on the request of the Catholic dioceses and Protestant Churches of France and Germany on either side of the bordering river of Rhine. In a message to the meeting, the Pope expressed appreciation for the theme of seeking visible communion among all who love Christ, and reminded the young people that “division among Christians is a formidable obstacle to accomplishing the mission entrusted to the Church and that “the credibility of the Christian proclamation would be much greater if Christians went beyond their divisions”. He said he counts on them so that by means of their faith and witness, they would the spirit of peace and reconciliation of the Gospel shine forth among their contemporaries.
In an interview to Vatican Radio, Br Aloїs, the prior of the Taize Community underscored hospitality as an important feature of the gathering. He said participants will be accommodated in homes and local church communities with a view to create more understanding among people from different countries and Christian denominations. He compared the European meetings to “stations on our pilgrimage of trust on the Earth.” He said “it is very important as Christians that we do not remain separate in our different confessions, but that we try to do all together that we can do together.” Another aim of the meeting, Br. Alois said, is to seek answers to some of the harsh realities of young Europeans, such as unemployment and plans for the future, and now faith can help overcome them.