Perspectief 2014-25

Perspectief 12 Communion in Taizé 2 Description of the practice The starting point of this research is the Eucharistic practice of the Taizé community. As stated in the first chapter, this practice is part of a larger institutionalized ecumenical practice. Therefore knowledge of the diachronic and synchronic context is highly relevant. This ecumenical context plays a big role in positioning the Taizé practice in legal and theological terms, as I will do in chapters three and four. In paragraph 2.1 I will introduce the history of Taizé and its community life today. The second paragraph is the actual object of reflection; the current practice of Taizé when it comes to Catholic Eucharist and communion. This description is based on my observations in Taizé. I will present my conclusions in paragraph 2.3. 2.1 Context 2.1.1 History of Taizé The community of Taizé was founded by Roger Schutz (1915-2005), a Swiss reformed Protestant. 1 Affinity with Catholicism is shown in his family, by his father, a Protestant minister, and especially by his grandmother. This, and his own contacts with the Catholic Church, inspired a deep longing for reconciliation amongst Christians. Another ideal of Schutz was to live a simple life according to the Gospel, especially by caring for the poor. During his theological studies, Roger developed ideas about a community of reconciliation inspired by monasticism. Eventually, in 1940 Roger was able to purchase a house in the small village of Taizé in Burgundy, France. By the end of the year, three friends joined him, thus realizing the envisioned community. First in the free territory of France and later under German occupation, the community welcomed Jews and other refugees. After the war, they cared for German prisoners-of-war, located in 1 General information on brother Roger and Taizé is taken from Santos, Jason Brian, A community called Taizé. A story of Prayer, Worship and Reconciliation (Downers Grove, Il: InterVarsity Press 2008).