Taize - pilgrimage of trust on earth in Paris and surrounding region

The next stage of the pilgrimage of trust on earth was the twenty fifth European Meeting, which took place in Paris and surrounding region.

It was already the 5th pilgrimage in Paris the previous meeting took place 8 years ago.

The purpose of every meeting is among others meditating on how to bring peace and trust in everyday life, overcoming prejudice through being a modest host from family and parish, discovering blessing, which comes from diversity, cleverness and openness local Christian communities and giving the best part of difference Christian traditions, different cultures and experiences.

The very heart of each meeting, like in Taize, is a common prayer. In the morning it was in the parish, in the afternoon and evening in - Paris Expo at Porte de Versailles hall.

The prayer and meeting in parish were the occasion to meet people from other nations- not only the French- hosts but also pilgrims from different parts of the world. I met people from another parts of France, from Italy, Germany, Haiti...and also many Poles.

Meetings like the one made us realise especially one thing - we are the same people and we have the same desires to live in peace and love...During on of our small group, someone said: "It's difficult to shoot someone you know..." and now this sentence is very really up-to-date...

Small gestures were also very important, thongs like exchanging parts of our modest meals or sharing them with more hungry people, having conversations or small gifts... or simply smiling.

The place where we lived was also incredible. I lived in the suburb of Paris - Louveciennes - a very nice place and pleasant inhabitants. The small church - building and many people created unforgettable atmosphere. The family, which hosted me together with my two Polish friends, was very sensitive to our needs.
The New Year's was also an unforgettable experience, after our prayer for peace we went to the gym, where we present the culture of our country, and danced all night.

The pilgrimage of trust across the earth requires proper preparations. Without expectations and prayer one can only discern the beauty of Paris.

Obviously there are many things to see and places to go, because Paris is a really beautiful city in the eyes of connoisseurs of monument and those who like good entertainment.

Meetings like European Meeting show the world and its inhabitants from different - free from prejudices - perspective. It does not matter what country or continent one is from.
What counts is that he or she lives for Jesus and is not afraid showing it. And such attitude is sometimes the only hope for bringing peace to the world.

Sylwia P.