Pilgrimage: France

Pilgrimage: France invited students to explore their faith and spirituality within the context of the ecumenical Taizé community. Taizé is a Christian monastic community that serves as home to more than 100 Catholic and Protestant brothers from thirty nations. The community strives to be a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and among separated people around the world.

The program included a half-unit course and a pilgrimage to the Taizé community. The half-unit course introduced students to practices and guiding principles of Taizé, the rich history of the Christian spiritual tradition, religious and cultural differences that may be encountered in France, the global ecumenical movement, and Christian theologies of peace-making, justice, and reconciliation. During spring break, students journeyed to Taizé and spent four days immersed in the daily rhythm of life of this Christian monastic community. The rhythm of life included prayer and community meals three times a day, a morning Bible study, afternoon work, and silence after evening prayers. Following the pilgrimage, class meetings focused on processing experiences, helping students to cultivate deeper spiritual practices, and developing a program to share with the campus community.

The Chaplaincy traveled on pilgrimages to Taizé in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Pilgrimage: France participants learned not only about their own faith, but also about the community of God around the world. Read about their beautiful journey.