Photo (C) Ateliers et Presses de Taizé, 71250 Taizé, France

Taizé prayer is not totally unknown to Christians in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. For the past three years, Christians in the city of Sault Ste. Marie have participated in this format of prayer on a monthly basis, but only recently did it make it's debut in the Sudbury area.

Last week, during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Christians from various faith traditions were invited to an evening of prayer which took place at Ste-Anne-des-Pins parish in Sudbury. Organizers were very pleased with the response as about 175 people gathered for the occasion.

Prayer in the style of Taizé traces its roots to the village of Taizé located in Southern France.

• History of the Taizé commuity in France

Composed of music, chanting, scripture and accented with simple décor, this style of prayer is meant to be ecumenical in nature, multilingual and focuses on drawing the participant into contemplation and unity with Christ. People of all Christian faith traditions are welcome to participate.

In Sault Ste. Marie, Christians gather on the second Wednesday of every month from September to June at Saint Jerome's church. Please note that the gathering for February will take place at Willowgrove United Church on Monday evening, February 12. All sessions begin at 7:30 pm.

The next gatherings in the Sudbury area will take place on February 28, April 4, May 23 and June 27. All sessions take place at Ste-Anne-des-Pins parish and begin at 7:00 pm.