Remembering

Each weekend in Taizé the Easter weekend is remembered with the resurrection celebrated on Saturday evening with lots of candles. Every Friday, at evening prayer, there is 'Prayer around the Cross', a tradition that stems from the Orthodox Church (as far as I recall). It is an opportunity for those worshipping to lay all they have at the cross - to bring to the cross all in prayer. Some people place their forehead on the cross, others pray whilst touching it. The Icon of the Cross is placed horizontally on blocks and is situated in the middle of the church. The brothers first pray and then it is open to others. In the summer, young people queue for hours to get to pray - it is a very moving sight. There have been known to be people still praying in the early hours of the morning.

The English translation (one of about 8 boards) that hung outside the church in Taizé for many years.

For me today is a time of remembering. Remembering those with whom I was a volunteer here and who have gone before (too soon) into a life of eternity. Dear friends, Ruth, Eduard, Coby and Mariusz. They were my contemporaries, people I shared my life and journey for a time. Those I laughed and cried with, who made my 18 months here an even more wonderful experience. I must make special mention of Ruth who died only recently. In my time in Taizé we were close friends and continued to write to each other after I'd left (I think she returned back to the UK about six months after I did). After ordination, I moved closer to her home in Southampton and we met a few times. She always had an opinion on church matters (both of her own church - the Roman Catholic Church - and mine). In the sermon at her Requiem, Fr Vincent made reference to Ruth's sharp mind and challenging conversation. As a devout Roman Catholic, Ruth served and cared for so many. The church was full as we said our farewells. As I went forward during communion, out of respect, I said to the priest that I was an Anglican priest so was offered a blessing. It occurred to me at that time what Ruth might have thought about that - and I suspect those thoughts are not printable here.

Whilst I was generally only in contact with Eduard, Coby and Mariusz on Facebook, they too are missed. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

Last night we had the news of a new pope, Leo XIV. I was fearing a long drawn out Conclave that wouldn't signal any sort of unity amongst cardinals. My other fear was for a conservative pope who would undo all the good work of Pope Francis. However, I seem to be pleasantly surprised on both fronts - the speed at which Leo XIV was elected and his opening words. These words in particular:

'The Pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that Easter morning. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we move forward. We are disciples of Christ.

Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to allows it to be reached by God and by his love.'

I pray that he will be a unifying pope and one that enables the Roman Catholic church to welcome all - to be a more inclusive church.

As I spend my last full day here, I reflect on this first week of my sabbatical. The weather has been pretty poor so I've been very grateful of the shelter of the motorhome as well as the church! I've met with Br Jean Marie a few times and had lunch in the community with an opportunity to catch up with Br Paolo. Tomorrow I travel on to spend sometime with another friend from my volunteering days, Pascale. She lived in the village of Taizé and we've stayed in touch since, although I've not seen her since before Covid. It will be very good to see her again and catch up on news. Then it's on to Vouvray where I might just stumble on a vineyard or two!

Today the sun is finally shining. I've taken the chance to go out on the bike again for a short cycle to Malay and Cormatin. Some photos below of the church in Malay. Please continue to remember me in your prayers as I travel during this time.