At the beginning of this year I'd like to wish you a happy year, full of love and joy. :)
I returned from the Taize European Meeting some days ago, so these memories are still alive. That's why it's really difficult for me to write or even to think about something else. For this reason, I'd like to share with you this remarkable experience, but there are just so much things to say that I don' t know where to start. I want to mention only a few impressions.
Generally speaking, the meeting took place in Valencia (Spain), so the differences in temperatures were quite noticeable. It was great to sit on a beach, in the sun, wearing a shirt with short sleeves.
Our host was so hospitable and big-hearted. We could say that we found in Spain our second mum. :) She speaks only Spanish, so there were some funny misunderstandings, even if there is a belief that Spanish and Italian are similar. Undoubtedly, it's true, but only to some extent.
It was a time full of unforgettable meetings, thought-provoking conversations for example about current problems we have in Europe, like migrantions or Islamic terrorism. It was invaluable to know how people of different nationalities and age perceive these issues.
Moreover, these days were filled with many positive feelings and of course not only prayers but also sightseeing. Just to clarify, this meeting is called a pilgrimage of Trust on Earth and it's organised by an ecumenical monastic community from France. It attracts several tens of thousands of people, not only catholic but christians in general, who get together to spend some time on different activities.
I'm aware of the fact that there are people who identify prayers with a long, monotonous and vain repetition of some meaningless words. However, I think that this can't be said about the Taize prayers which based on meditation, reflection and music. Here you have one of Taize songs (in Catalan):
I'm aware of the fact that there are people who identify prayers with a long, monotonous and vain repetition of some meaningless words. However, I think that this can't be said about the Taize prayers which based on meditation, reflection and music. Here you have one of Taize songs (in Catalan):
Unfortunately, I didn't be able to visit an open-air oceanographic park, the queues were too long. That means that I have to go back to Valencia (as soon as possible).
The next Taize European Meeting will be organised in Riga, and I hope to be there and I stronly recommend it to everyone to feel this unique atmosphere.
As usual some (not many) photo impressions. :)
As usual some (not many) photo impressions. :)
