Pack snacks and sunscreen and prepare for a summer pilgrimage of fellowship, song and prayer.
Every year more than 100,000 young pilgrims travel to a monastery in central France to share life together and a style of worship developed by the monks of Taizé.
If you live in the Diocese of Norwich and are aged 18-35 you could be one of them.
The Bishop of Norwich will lead a pilgrimage to Taizé from July 19-28.
Last year’s young pilgrims from Norfolk and Waveney loved the chance to explore their faith, take part in famous Taizé chants and musical prayers, find time to slow down and reflect, and meet and worship with people from around the world.
The Taizé style of inspirational contemplative worship was developed by the monks of the ecumenical community, founded near Cluny in 1940. It is home to around 100 monks from Catholic and Protestant traditions.
Last year Norfolk pilgrim Seun described Taizé as “A place to become more in touch with yourself and your faith.”
He said: “I think what I enjoyed the most was the singing. Hearing the voices of hundreds of people resonate harmonically with each other added a sort of ethereal feel that lent itself to the atmosphere within the main church.” His tip for this year’s pilgrims is to pack sunscreen and snacks.
Also travelling from Norwich was Lucy, who said: “Some of the things I enjoyed the most were learning Taizé chants during the church services, meeting so many people, exploring local towns and villages, and how relaxed everything was. I learned to slow down and allow time for reflection in my everyday routine. Also, I learned how to communicate with others effectively through Taizé English!”
Bishop Graham said: “The life of simplicity and prayer of the brothers of Taizé, including their unique style of worship, has been formative in my own life and I love to be able to take young adults on pilgrimage to share that experience and see how God will shape them through the week.”
The group will stay in tents on the Taizé campsite alongside young people from around the world, taking part in worship, Bible studies, discussion groups, shared meals and practical activities.
The 10-day pilgrimage, including travel from Norwich, food and camping accommodation, will cost £165 for students and those out of work, £275 for part-time or church workers and £330 for people in full-time employment. Bursaries are available for those who need additional support.
To find out more and to book (places are limited, on a first-come-first-served basis) email Jeremy Brown at taize.pilgrimage@dioceseofnorwich.org
Get a glimpse of Taize worship when Brother Jean-Marie of the Taize community leads an evening of Taizé worship at St Luke’s Church, Aylsham Road, Norwich, on Friday April 4, beginning at 6pm with song practice.
