no subject

[taimatsu]

Brother Roger of Taizé has been murdered.

I can't actually find anything to say at the moment. Taizé has been such a big influence on me in so many ways. I have been thinking about visiting there again (we went when I was very young, and I still remember it.) This is horrifying.

Edit:
I include below the English text currently on the main Taizé webpage, as it is a bit hard to reach at the moment.



Frère Roger has entered the life of eternity

During the evening prayer on Tuesday 16 August, in the midst of the crowd surrounding the Community in the Church of Reconciliation, a woman - probably mentally disturbed - struck Brother Roger violently with knife blows. He died a few moments later.

In its sorrow, the Taizé Community thanks all those who are supporting it by their affection and their prayer. On the morning of 17 August, after Brother Roger’s death, the following prayer was read in the church:

“Christ of compassion, you enable us to be in communion with those who have gone before us, and who can remain so close to us. We confide into your hands our Brother Roger. He already contemplates the invisible. In his footsteps, you are preparing us to welcome a radiance of your brightness.”

The funeral of Brother Roger will take place on Tuesday 23 August at 14.00.

Each afternoon, from 15.00 to 19.00, his body is placed in the church of Taizé, so that all who wish may go and meditate close by him.

Eight years ago, Brother Roger designated Brother Alois to succeed him, as the person in charge of the community. Brother Alois has entered straightaway into his ministry as servant of communion at the heart of the community.

Comments

[andrewwyld.livejournal.com]

That's terrible.

Well, God bless him (as he undoubtedly did).

[rillaith.livejournal.com]

I had a very soft spot for Taizé as a result of loving the music that originated from there when I was growing up and a very active member of the church's folk choir, and a catholic who didn't feel tehere was enough done to support ecumenism in general. I can't imagine someone wishing to do such a thing. Am shocked.

[taimatsu]

Snap on the church folk group, catholic ecumenist, etc. I also did some youth work/Christian Union when I was in my late teens, and Taizé music was a feature.

[ifimust.livejournal.com]

That's... unbelievable. :(

[smhwpf.livejournal.com]

:(

A terrible shock. He was an incredible, truly spiritual and truly human person. I went to Taize twice, and found it a deeply moving experience. It is so sad that his life should end in such a way.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory. As the text says, he is still with us.

[bringeroflight.livejournal.com]

I've never been to Taize, but the music is still with me.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

While I don't consider myself a Christian, he was an ideal one...