The latest Taizé prayer gathering took place at Ste-Anne-des-Pins church in Sudbury on Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Among those who experienced this hour of prayer were a group of youth from various parts of Canada who are visiting in the Sudbury area to partake in a five-wee social justice immersion experience called SERVE, sponsored by the Redemptorists.

SERVE runs annually in the Redemptorist Parish Communities at Holy Redeemer, Sudbury and at St Mary's, Saskatoon. Young adults are give the opportunity to do service work, while living together in a Christian context.

Here are reflections from the SERVE participants about the experience of Taizé prayer in Sudbury:

• My Taize prayer experience at St Anne de Pins church was wonderful. The decorations and the music create an atmosphere for deep spiritual reflection.

  Sarah Miller
  Richmond Hill, ON

• On behalf of Taize, Ottawa, I would like to congratulate you for having a successful gathering in Sudbury. The prayer experience one can get from Taize is like drinking pure water that refreshes the souls and spirit.

  Eumir Bautista
  Ottawa, ON

• I have heard much about Taize prayers and its foundations but last week at St Anne's was my first time participating and my experience far exceeded my anticipation. It was a beautiful form of community prayer that brought to life many languages and music that gave fruit to meditation for me. The parish was very welcoming and the atmosphere (decor) ws stunning!! If I lived in Sudbury I would, without as doubt, attend again, but instead will seek Taize out at home. I hope that more young people would be encouraged to come. Thank You!
  
  Alycia Berg
  Calgary AB

• Gathering with Taize in Sudbury was a very blessed experience. This was my first time being part of Taize. I found it very spiritually nourishing for the soul. I also felt very welcomed by all the friendly people there.

  Brendan Rogal
  Saskatoon, SK

• Photos from this Taizé gathering

• The Taize experience at Ste-Anne-des-Pins was wonderful. Thank you!! The attention given to creating an environment of prayer was apparent; the many voices singing together in languages of different ethnicities embodied the richness of Taize worship. Thank you for the gift of this service; it was beautiful and refreshing for my soul.

  Sincerely,
  Carolyn Chau
  Richmond Hill , ON

• Taize was a great experience for me. In the midst of a busy world it is so refreshing to have the peace and reverence of that hour at Ste-Anne-des-Pins. Kudos for the opportunity to reflect and pray with others in such a beautiful environment. I look forward to other such encounters of prayer. Keep up the great work. I encourage others to try out the Taize experience.

  Leo English C.Ss.R.
  Saskatoon, SK

The next Taizé gathering in Sudbury will take place at Ste-Anne-des-Pins on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at 7:00 pm. Please come and pray with us.