On August 20, 1940, as Nazi forces swept across France, a twenty-five-year-old Swiss theology student named Roger Schutz bicycled into the tiny Burgundian village of Taizé and knocked on the door of an abandoned house. He had come searching for a place to shelter refugees fleeing the war. Within months, he and his sister Geneviève were hiding Jews and political refugees from the Gestapo in that same house, until a tip-off forced them to flee in 1942. When Roger returned in 1944, he brought with him a vision that would transform this obscure hamlet into one of the most remarkable pilgrimage sites of the modern era.
What began as a small group of men living together in poverty and obedience has grown into an international ecumenical community of over one hundred brothers from Catholic and Protestant traditions, united in prayer and dedicated to reconciliation among Christians. Today, more than 100,000 young people journey to this hilltop each year, drawn not by ancient relics or miraculous apparitions, but by something equally powerful: the experience of praying together in candlelit silence, singing the haunting chants that have spread to churches worldwide, and discovering that Christians of different traditions can live as brothers.
The Taizé Community stands as a living parable of Christian unity. Here, Catholic and Protestant monks share the same table, the same prayers, the same life. Young pilgrims from every continent gather weekly for retreats that combine prayer, Bible study, and simple communal living. In an age of division, Taizé offers a glimpse of what the Church might become.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Roger Louis Schutz-Marsauche was born on May 12, 1915, in Provence, Switzerland, the son of a Protestant pastor. His maternal grandmother's example during World War I, when she sheltered refugees regardless of their nationality or faith, planted seeds that would later bear extraordinary fruit. When World War II erupted, the young theology student felt called to continue her witness.
The house Roger purchased in Taizé in 1940 became a station on an underground network helping refugees escape to Switzerland. For two years, the Schutz siblings harbored those fleeing persecution until the Gestapo discovered their activities. Roger spent the war years in Geneva, where he met Max Thurian and other young men who shared his vision of a Protestant monastic community dedicated to reconciliation.
On Easter Sunday 1944, Roger returned to Taizé with his first companions. They took in German prisoners of war, caring for those who had been enemies just as they had cared for their victims. This radical commitment to reconciliation became the community's founding charism. In 1949, the first seven brothers made lifelong commitments to celibacy, community of goods, and acceptance of an authority. Brother Roger served as prior until his death.
The community grew slowly but steadily, attracting men from different Protestant denominations. A decisive moment came in 1969 when the first Catholic brothers joined, transforming Taizé into a truly ecumenical community. Today, brothers from more than thirty countries representing Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, and other traditions live and pray together on the hill of Taizé.
During the 1960s, young people began arriving in increasing numbers, drawn by the community's message of reconciliation and its contemplative prayer. The small Romanesque village church could no longer accommodate the crowds. In 1962, the Église de la Réconciliation (Church of Reconciliation) was inaugurated on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration and the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. Designed by Brother Denis, an architect member of the community, this simple concrete structure became the heart of the pilgrimage.
Brother Roger received numerous honors for his work promoting Christian unity, including the Templeton Prize in 1974 and the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 1988. Pope John Paul II visited Taizé in 1986, declaring, "One passes through Taizé as one passes close to a spring of water." Popes and Orthodox patriarchs, Reformed pastors and Catholic cardinals, all found their way to this Burgundian hillside.
On August 16, 2005, during the evening prayer service with 2,500 young pilgrims present, Brother Roger was stabbed to death by a mentally ill Romanian woman. He was ninety years old. The community he founded continues his work under the leadership of Brother Alois, a German Catholic who became prior upon Roger's death. Brother Roger is buried in the small cemetery beside the Romanesque village church where the community first worshipped.
The "Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth," launched by Brother Roger in 1978, has brought Taizé's message to cities across Europe and beyond. Each year between Christmas and New Year, tens of thousands of young adults gather in a major European city for prayer, reflection, and ecumenical encounter. Since its inception, nearly two million young people have participated in these annual European meetings.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Taizé
Church of Reconciliation
Église de la Réconciliation
The spiritual heart of Taizé, this church was inaugurated on August 6, 1962, to accommodate the growing numbers of pilgrims. Designed by Brother Denis of the community, the building features a simple, elongated structure with low lighting that creates an atmosphere of contemplative intimacy. The interior is adorned with icons in the Eastern Christian tradition, their golden surfaces catching the glow of thousands of candles.
Three times daily, the bells summon the community and pilgrims to prayer. The morning prayer begins at 8:15, midday prayer at 12:20, and evening prayer at 20:30. The liturgy centers on the distinctive Taizé chants, simple melodic phrases repeated meditatively, often in Latin, that have become one of the community's most influential gifts to the wider Church. The prayers incorporate long periods of silence, Scripture readings, and intercessions.
The church can accommodate several thousand worshippers, who sit on the floor in the tradition of the community. During peak summer weeks, the congregation overflows into adjacent tents. The space nearest the altar is reserved for the brothers, who process in wearing their white robes.
The Romanesque Church
Église Romane de Taizé
The original village church of Taizé, dating from the twelfth century, served as the community's place of worship during its early years. This small stone structure in the Burgundian Romanesque style retains its medieval character. When the Church of Reconciliation was built, the Romanesque church became a place for individual prayer and small gatherings.
Adjacent to the church lies the small cemetery where Brother Roger is buried. His simple grave has become a place of pilgrimage, with visitors leaving flowers and prayers at the resting place of the founder.
The Oyak
The community's common area, named with a word from the Basque language meaning "welcome," serves as a gathering space between prayers. Here pilgrims can purchase books, recordings of Taizé chants, icons, and simple pottery made by the brothers. The Oyak also houses a small exposition on the community's history and Brother Roger's life.
The Springs of Silence
Several small chapels and quiet spaces are scattered across the community's grounds for personal prayer and reflection. These include the Source Saint-Étienne and other spots where pilgrims can withdraw from the communal activities for solitary contemplation.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Holy Week and Easter
The most intense period at Taizé coincides with the Christian celebration of Christ's passion and resurrection. Pilgrims participate in special liturgies including the Tenebrae service on Good Friday, when candles are progressively extinguished, and the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. Unlike regular weekly meetings, the Holy Week program runs Monday to Monday.
European Youth Meeting — December 28 to January 1
Each year, the Taizé Community organizes a massive gathering in a European city during the final days of December. This "Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth" brings together 15,000 to 30,000 young adults from across the continent for prayer, reflection, and ecumenical fellowship. Host cities have included Paris, Rome, Berlin, Wrocław, and Turin. Local parishes and families provide hospitality to participants.
August 16 — Anniversary of Brother Roger's Death
The community marks the anniversary of their founder's death with special prayers and remembrance. Pilgrims gather at his grave in the cemetery beside the Romanesque church.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Taizé Community (pilgrim accommodation) — The community provides simple accommodation for all pilgrims attending weekly meetings. Young adults (18-35) stay in tents during warmer months or in basic dormitory cabins, with men and women housed separately. Bring your own sleeping bag and mat. Contributions are requested according to each pilgrim's means, covering meals and accommodation. Registration required. Website
La Source de Taizé (guesthouse) — A traditional house at the village entrance, just a 10-minute walk from the community. Offers private rooms for those seeking more comfort or traveling outside the weekly meeting schedule. Website
Hôtel de Bourgogne ⭐⭐⭐ — Located in nearby Cluny (9 km), this comfortable hotel offers modern amenities while maintaining traditional Burgundian character. Ideal for families or those preferring hotel accommodation. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Logis Hôtel la Fleur de Lys ⭐⭐⭐ — Charming hotel in the medieval heart of Cluny, offering a restaurant serving regional cuisine. Walking distance to Cluny Abbey. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: The nearest major airports are Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS), approximately 100 km south, and Geneva (GVA), approximately 150 km east. Both airports have excellent rail connections to Mâcon.
By Train: High-speed TGV trains from Paris Gare de Lyon reach Mâcon-Loché TGV station in approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. From Lyon Part-Dieu, regional trains reach Mâcon-Ville in about 45 minutes. From Geneva, trains connect via Lyon or Bourg-en-Bresse to Mâcon.
By Bus: The MOBIGO Bourgogne-Franche-Comté bus line LR701 connects Mâcon-Loché TGV and Mâcon-Ville stations to Taizé. The journey takes approximately 38-44 minutes. Check current schedules at mobigo-bourgogne.com.
By Car: From Paris, take the A6 autoroute south toward Lyon, exit at Mâcon-Nord, then follow signs to Cluny and Taizé (approximately 400 km, 4 hours). From Lyon, take the A6 north and exit at Mâcon-Sud (approximately 80 km, 1 hour). Free parking is available at the community.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Kathryn Spink, A Universal Heart: The Life and Vision of Brother Roger of Taizé — The definitive biography, tracing Brother Roger's journey from wartime refugee work to founding a community that transformed ecumenical relations.
Brother Roger of Taizé, Journals of Brother Roger of Taizé: Volume I: 1941-1968 — The founder's own reflections from the community's formative years, revealing his spiritual vision and the challenges of building an ecumenical community.
Brother Roger of Taizé, The Rule of Taizé — Written during the winter of 1952-53, this short text expresses the essential principles that make the common life possible.
Marcello Fidanzio, ed., Brother Roger of Taizé: Essential Writings — A curated collection from the Modern Spiritual Masters series, gathering the most significant texts from the founder's prolific writings.
Online Resources:
Taizé Community Official Website — Complete information on visiting, the community's history, prayer resources, and Taizé music.
World Council of Churches: Remembering Brother Roger — Tribute to the founder from the ecumenical organization he worked closely with throughout his life.
🎥 Recommended Videos
Taizé: That Little Springtime — Documentary by Martin Doblmeier filmed on location in France, providing an intimate glimpse of the eighty brothers who comprise the community. Prime Video.
Taizé: A Pilgrimage of Trust — Documentary exploring the unique historical, spiritual, musical, and cultural significance of the community through the eyes of young pilgrims on their transformative journey.
🔗 Useful Links
Communauté de Taizé — Official website with registration for weekly meetings, prayer resources, and community news.
Taizé Songs and Music — Audio recordings and sheet music for the distinctive chants used in Taizé prayer.
European Youth Meetings — Information on the annual New Year gatherings in European cities.
SNCF — French national railway for booking trains to Mâcon.
MOBIGO Bourgogne — Regional bus service connecting train stations to Taizé.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Paray-le-Monial (45 km west) — The sacred site where Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. The Visitation Chapel and Basilica of the Sacred Heart draw pilgrims devoted to the Sacred Heart.
Lyon (80 km south) — France's second city features the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooking the Rhône, along with the primatial Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Vézelay (150 km north) — UNESCO World Heritage basilica housing relics of St. Mary Magdalene. Historic starting point for the Way of St. James.
Nevers (140 km northwest) — The Convent of Saint-Gildard preserves the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette Soubirous, the visionary of Lourdes.
Cluny (9 km south) — Once the largest church in Christendom before St. Peter's, the Abbey of Cluny was the heart of medieval monastic reform. Though largely destroyed during the French Revolution, the surviving structures and museum convey its former grandeur.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"What a hope it opens up for us to know that a day will come when the Lord will wipe away the tears from every face." — Brother Roger of Taizé, Parable of Community, 1980
Taizé stands as a sign of hope in a fractured world. On this Burgundian hillside, the ancient dream of Christian unity becomes, for a few days at a time, a lived reality. Young pilgrims from Orthodox Ukraine and Catholic Poland, Protestant Germany and Anglican England, gather in the same church, sing the same chants, receive the same bread. They discover that what unites them is greater than what divides them.
Brother Roger often spoke of Taizé as a "parable of community." Like the parables of Jesus, it does not explain or argue but simply shows. It shows that reconciliation is possible, that simplicity nourishes the soul, that silence can speak more eloquently than words. Those who have experienced the candlelit prayers in the Church of Reconciliation carry something of Taizé's spirit back to their own communities, planting seeds of trust and hope wherever they go.
