About the Taizé Community

Taizé is an ecumenical monastic community located in the Burgundy region of east-central France. Founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schutz, a Swiss Christian from the Reformed tradition, Taizé arose from a Gospel-inspired desire for reconciliation, unity, and peace in a world divided by war.

From its beginnings, Taizé has sought to live as what Brother Roger called “a parable of community," a visible sign of Christian fraternity grounded in simplicity, mercy, and shared life. The brothers follow a monastic rhythm of common prayer, manual work, and a simple life, drawing deeply on the Church's ancient traditions while remaining open to the gifts of other Christian traditions.

Members of the community take vows of celibacy and poverty, entrusting themselves entirely to God. The brothers support themselves through their own work and do not solicit donations. Any personal inheritances received are given to the poor. Since 1951, small fraternities of brothers have lived among the poor and marginalized in places such as India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Africa, Latin America, and even in New York City, witnessing to Christ through presence and solidarity.

Today, the Taizé Community includes over 100 brothers, both Catholic and Protestant, from more than 30 countries. As a sign of growing Christian unity, many brothers are Catholic, and the community is currently led by Brother Alois, a Catholic, who was appointed by Brother Roger before Brother Roger's death in 2005.

Taizé has become a pilgrimage destination for young people from around the world. Each year, tens of thousands gather there for prayer marked by Scripture, silence, and the simple, meditative chants for which Taizé is known. For many Catholics, Taizé offers a profound experience of contemplative prayer, reconciliation, and a deeper sense of communion with Christ and His Church.