Perspectief 2014-25

Perspectief 16 Communion in Taizé As said before, the focus of Eucharistic worship is now on the Catholic mass. In it, the brothers have found a common understanding of the mystery of the Eucharist. However, to enable them to welcome all Christians the brothers give space to other rites as well. Occasionally, an Orthodox mass is celebrated. On a daily basis, a Protestant service takes place. The bread and wine of that holy Supper celebration are administered during morning prayer. Additionally, for those who cannot participate in either of these traditions, e.g. because they are not baptized, the rite of the blessed bread was introduced. This rite has its origins in Eastern Orthodoxy. The rite refers to the story of Jesus feeding 5000 men in the desert. The bread is blessed right before the prayer service starts. Thus the brothers intend to create an atmosphere of fraternity and reconciliation, without denying the differences between the people present. 2.2.2 Morning mass With only few exceptions, the first celebration of each weekday is a Catholic mass. It is celebrated in an improvised chapel in the back of the main church. The main part of the church is reserved for the already gathering visitors, who can prepare themselves for the morning prayer in silence. The mass is not part of the ‘mandatory’ daily routine for the visiting youth, but is free for all to visit. The mass is celebrated by the Taizé priests and Catholic priests who visit Taizé with a group of young people. The temporary chapel is created by closing down a section of the church, where a movable altar is placed. The attendants take place on the ground, just as in the general prayers. The morning of my observations (15 April 2014), the esteemed number of attendants is about 300. In comparison, some 5000 attend the morning prayer on this day. The liturgy celebrated is that of the Latin rite. The hymns chosen are Taizé’s. A great amount of hosts is being consecrated, far more than necessary for the gathered people. Most people seem familiar with the liturgy and are clearly used to celebrate it. Most of them receive communion, only few request for a blessing instead. When mass is ended the consecrated bread and wine are taken by the priests and stored in the tabernacle in the front section of the church.