Brother Roger

Today I remember Brother Roger, founder of the Taize community, who was murdered several days ago at 90-years old during a worship service. I was blessed with a week at Taize, one of the richest experiences of my teenage life because my soul was rejuvenated after a year of spiritual isolation. On top of an amazing week of restoration through song and prayer, laughter, and fellowship, I celebrated my 19th birthday there. It was likely the most cross-cultural birthday I’ll ever experience, complete with an Italian woman baking a cake for me, Dutch friends singing for me (“O, is er een jarig hoera! hoera!”) and smothering me with thoughtful gifts, and people from literally all over the world wishing me blessings. I am thankful for Brother Roger’s vision and believe Taize will continue to draw people together of different cultures, languages, and lands in a way few places can.