Taize (cont.)

In Memoriam: Barbara Silvester. You may recall my earlier post about my Dad's cousin Barbara, whom we visited in a nursing home in Massachusetts. I just received word that she has died there. Confined for 85 years in a much-diminished body, she is now free. I invite you to join in prayer blessing her on her way... at last freed from the body that limited her activity (but never her spirit).
Today marks the last of the Taize bible sessions. It turns out the instructor has been the head honcho of Taize... brother Alios (sorry for the poor quality picture of him). He succeeded Brother Roger, the founder, who was attacked and killed during an evening service several years ago. (Yikes) I did not guess at Bro. Alios's "rank" as he dresses casually, is very unassuming, with a great sense of humor and a wonderful way of teaching the bible. He has rehabilitated the Gospel of John for me. (Or rehabilitated my perceptions.)
Attached also is a video clip from today's prayer service.
I am also attaching a picture of one of the "tent cities" where people live while on a week here. (We opted to stay in nearby Cluny.)
My Taize time has been tantalizing and has been a peaceful and helpful interlude. The learning and worship has blended with some of the personal reading I have been doing in meaningful ways. No, I will not be enrolling as a Taize brother... but it is an intriguing place and I would love to come back with a group at some point.
I close with a shot of ancient buildings next to our hotel in Cluny. This is the view from ouitside the internet cafe heading back to the hotel.
We leave here tomorrow and head south. Onward.