Taize Prayer around the Cross (Photo courtesy of Dann Ebina)
By Jon James
Special to the Herald
After a three-year absence due to COVID-19, the contemplative Taize Prayer around the Cross service will be held again at the University of Hawaii Newman Center-Holy Spirit Parish on Good Friday evening, April 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Taize Prayer around the Cross stems from a tradition adopted by the Taize Brothers in France at the suggestion of Eastern European Christians where it has long been customary. The candle-lit ceremony includes chants, prayers, reflections, Scripture reading of the Passion, a period of meditative silence.
The prayer culminates, as music continues, with participants coming in small groups to kneel and place their heads on the wood of the large Taize icon cross displayed flat on stools and praying deeply in invisible communion with those who suffer throughout the world: for the abandoned, immigrants, the poor, the homeless, the tortured, and for those who suffer injustice of any kind.
Coming to the cross in this way is also a symbolic gesture of laying down and entrusting to God one’s own personal burdens which at times seem unbearable.
Recognizing that Christ extended his friendship to all, without rejecting anyone, Taize prayer is ecumenical and calls for all those who love Christ all across the earth to form in his steps, a large community of friendship whereby we can heal the wounds of humanity.
Taize, a small village in Burgundy, France, is the home monastery for close to 100 international Brothers. Taize attracts tens of thousands of young adults and pilgrims of all ages from around the world. Four orders of Catholic sisters work in tandem with the brothers. The Taize Community also sponsors large gatherings in Europe and other parts of the world.
Taize sees itself as a parable of community, an ecumenism lived out as a foretaste of the future communion of churches as willed by Christ. Pope Francis has just recently appointed the Taize Brothers to organize and lead the Sept. 30 prayer vigil, entitled “Gathering of the People of God,” in St. Peter’s Square in Rome before the opening of the bishops’ Synod on Synodality in early October.
All are invited. The Newman Center, at 1941 East West Road, is mauka of the Korean Studies Center. Parking is available in front and back of Newman. For more information go to newmanhawaii.org or call 808-988-6222