Today, along with millions of others across the globe, I mourn the loss of Brother Roger of the Taize Community in France. Even though it's on countless other blogs and sites, here is the official press release from www.taize.fr:
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.
I found this out when I saw Gavin's blog today. I'm deeply saddened. Like Gavin, I never had the privilege of meeting Brother Roger, but have been deeply moved by the Taize movement-specifically over the past year. If you google this site with the word Taize you will see why.
The world will not be the same. We will hold a Taize service for youth at Grace in the upcoming weeks on a Sunday night. I will keep you updated as to when.
