During the Second World War, Brother Roger Schutz founded a monastic community in the small village of Taizé (Tay-Zay) in central France. The order ministered to refugees and families displaced during the conflict. 

The abbey at Taizé continued to grow throughout the 1950’s and 60’s, and began to compose their own worship music. Since then, their simple songs have found a home in Christian traditions all over the world. Today pilgrims from all over the world, especially young people, come by the thousands each week to Taizé to immerse themselves in worship and prayer.

A Taizé service is characterized by the singing of repetitive, easily learned chants and songs, and by periods of silence, contemplation, and prayer. The gospel is typically read in several different languages to reflect the diversity of the Church and God’s radical welcome to all people.

“God understands every human language. Remaining close to him in silence is already prayer: your lips remain closed, but your heart is speaking to him. And, by the Holy Spirit, Christ prays in you more than you can imagine.”

                                                    - Brother Roger of Taizé