Perspectief 2014-25

Perspectief 6 Communion in Taizé Foreword The period in which this research was performed stretched from Ash Wednesday till Pentecost. This is an appropriate coincidence, since all major events of the institution and birth of the Church are celebrated in this period. This has added another dimension to this research project, of which my visit to Taizé in the Holy Week was no doubt the summit. For me, the wish to understand the attempts of the Taizé community is not solely born from academic interest. My personal history regarding different ecclesial traditions enables me to relate to brother Roger’s wish for reconciliation. I am glad that in this way I can contribute a little to the understanding of the current situation in Taizé and its significance for the ecumenical process. This thesis marks the end of my studies. It represents my prime interests throughout this period. In a way, this thesis is connected to my bachelor’s thesis, dedicated to Catholic Eucharistic theology. Both researches had the (side) objective to improve my understanding of the Catholic view on the Eucharist. In this master’s thesis my intention was to investigate the practice in Taizé concerning the Eucharist and communion. From the start, the working title of my thesis was as it is now: “Communion in Taizé.” At first, I intended the word communion to refer merely to the consecrated host. This research has made me understand better the inherent relation between the Eucharist and the unity and community of the Church in Catholic theology. This relation is indispensable for understanding the situation in Taizé from a Catholic perspective. Now, at the end of the research process, the word communion in the title is to express the two elements of this relation, both the host and the communio of the Church, rooted in the communio of the holy Trinity. At the end of this foreword I want to take the opportunity to thank all the people involved during these years. I am grateful that my parents have offered me the chance to undertake the studies of my choice and for their support. I want to thank my wife Geertrude too for the support and space she has given me these years, even though the process was not always easy. Friends, family, fellow students and all my lecturers have made my studies possible; thank you all. In the context of this thesis I want to