Between Christmas and New Year, a group of 30 young adults left London to join the the 48th European Youth Meeting organised in Paris by the Taizé community. The meeting lasted for three days, and the programme included moments of joint prayer and over a hundred thematic workshops in different locations across Paris.

Rebecca, one of the organisers of the London Assumption groups shares: “Starting the year by taking part in the Taizé pilgrimage was a truly beautiful and peaceful experience. As a group of young adults from London, we were welcomed by generous host families in Versailles during our stay. Each day was shaped by prayer, as we discovered the depth, beauty and quiet of Taizé’s ecumenical prayer.”

The gathering was a chance to meet and share life and faith with young people from all over the world. It truly was an experience of the universal Church, as Rebecca explains: “We met in small groups with young adults from around the world, sharing our hopes for the year ahead and reflecting together on the realities of life back home. My favourite moment was gathering with all 15,000 young adults taking part in the pilgrimage from across the world, united in prayer in the arena.”

“It was an amazing experience. I loved the sense of community I felt through the people I met… we shared in prayer, small group discussions, and visits.”

Daniela, and Gus two other participants from London, also comments on the strong sense of unity and connectedness they felt. According to Daniela “It was an amazing experience. I loved the sense of community I felt through the people I met and the moments we shared in prayer, small group discussions, and visits to different parts of Paris. I enjoyed getting to know different people from around the world. I made so many friends. I will cherish the memories of Taizé.”

“I felt a real sense of connection between the pilgrims across the city. I was bowled over by the kindness and hospitality of the organizers, host families, and all the religious that I came into contact with.”

Gus adds: “This year’s Taizé trip to Paris was a wonderful and spiritually-affirming experience for me. Getting to know the vast array of people in the Assumption communities and beyond was a real privilege and I felt a real sense of connection between the pilgrims across the city. I was bowled over by the kindness and hospitality of the organizers, host families, and all the religious that I came into contact with. What an incredible pilgrimage; I will certainly be back for more!”