Where is the Wellspring?
I’ve just returned from Taizé (ecumenical community near Lyon (France)) after spending some time in Rome and I can’t help but wonder what direction this Church of ours is heading in….as an institution. Do we have our priorities right?…or is it just jet-lag?In the community of Taizé an atmosphere of trust and love is very much at the fore. Brotherhood as one faith spread across continents is the lasting impression after some time spent in this amazing example of a true Christian community.
On the other hand when I think of Rome I see beautiful works of art and glorious examples of the Church’s temporal power. This is where the faithful are encouraged to go. It is magnificent but such a trip does little to bring us closer to God. When in Rome I sought out the Gésu (the main Church of the Jesuit order) and there I found something worth the travel….but at Mass in St. Peter’s I strained to sense anything other than the throng of pilgrims gazing at the artwork behind me.
In Taizé I was surrounded by 3,000 others sitting on the hard ground but managed to forget them all.
From group discussions I learned of parish councils sending parishioners to Taizé from all over the continent….. In Ireland you never hear of the place and it seems that parishes concentrate their efforts on Rome instead. I love Rome but it is a city for the faithful. If a trip is to foster faith, to rekindle faith…then I for one would fly to Lyon.
Saturday, August 18th, 2007 and is filed under Rome.
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Matthew Says:
Its up to each one of us to create that community. If you feel that passionate about it then set up a prayer group. or join the choir. or set up your own choir. In ireland we are great at criticising the “church” as if we are not a part of it! WE are the church and WE not just priests determine its future. if what you say and do it truthful and right then others will follow.
September 2nd, 2007 at 3:14 am
Matthew Says:
… I think a problem here is that we are not respecting enough of difference. We are too shy to speak out because of appearing “weird”.
Have courage ronan. Speak out and tell people about forms of prayer that help you- not just taize. The church has a very rich tradition over 200 years and spanning across continents.
we are all unique human beings and each one of us has to find our own way
September 2nd, 2007 at 3:33 am