Student Corner What I Learn From Taize: Peace
By Jung Mee-hee
Just days away from my university graduation, I looked back on what I had done during my school years. When I realized that I had spent monotonous school life over the past years, I felt thirsty for something. And it motivated me to have an unscheduled trip somewhere.
First of all, I selected Europe for my destination and then searched for information on the Internet. Countless travel agencies were selling a variety of travel programs to Europe. I got my passport and decided to take the trip via a travel agency for convenience.
Following the processes, I visited many homepages displaying various photographs taken in European countries. But what I felt from them was that the people who had created them had made their trips on similar routes. Seemingly, their travel schedule and routes were almost the same.
Of course, similarity does not refer to a wrong journey. But it wasn't what I intended to do.
So I decided to cancel the trip that I booked with the travel agency's help. Then I felt much more freedom. I wanted to avoid some mistakes that might occur in the future. I wanted to get more confidence, to try to understand their culture and get as much freedom and happiness as possible..
I decided to visit two main destinations. My first was the Taize Community; and the second was Europe's cities.
I decided to enjoy my 4-month-long trip on foot rather than using vehicles.
According to my plan, I had to walk more than 30 kilometers per day for four days with a huge backpack on my back. Before leaving for the country, I jogged seven kilometers every single day to help get fit for walking. After one and half months, I departed for Europe with much expectation.
The Taize Community
Brother Roger built the Taize community in Taize, Eastern France, in 1940. Historically, this community was used as a shelter for Jews escaping from Nazi Germany soldiers. It now provides exotic scenery and unique experiences to numerous tourists every year.
I took the bullet train TGV for Geneva, and left the train at Macon. After taking a bus for fifty minutes, I reached the Taize Community. The community does not receive any donations _ it survives through the labor of the community.
The Taize travel program that I chose ran from Monday through Sunday. However, community members don't have to stay the whole week. In addition, many European high schools and universities have special classes there to help understand each other.
Approximately 5,000 people visit this place each day with this purpose. Taize also has a ``silence program'' from Friday to Sunday, in which visitors look around the community without speaking. Many visitors say this program is the highlight here. Of course, the silence is only applied to those using the program.
Taize is a self-sustaining community. People undertake various work such as acting as guides, cleaning, providing first-aid and so on. All members of Taize follow simple rules. When the morning bell is ringing, people go to church to pray, and have breakfast. Then, people take a lesson from the priest, and have a group discussion. Because Taize is a Christian community, they use the Bible as text. In the discussion, people share ideas on many things including religion. So people can make many friends at this time. Actually, I could share many idea with my friends there.
After the discussion, people take part in midday worship. Every prayer time is special in Taize _ the form of prayer is mixed with Catholic, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodox Church because Taize was built to keep the peace for all Christians.
After lunch, people have free time. As soon as people finish their work, they do what they want. Some people read a book, take a nap, talks with friends, or meditate.
During the time, I used to walk alongside a sunflower and lavender field, enjoying gorgeous scenery. After free time, people take part in evening prayer, and again enjoy their free time till bedtime.
People in Taize use English and French. However, German and Italian are also frequently used.
Taize was really comfortable place. I never saw any trivial squabbles there. It was so marvelous for me. On the last day of my stay there, I asked myself what I felt about Taize. And I replied ``I learned how to make a peace.''
Taize gave me answers about how to resolve troubles in a peaceful way.
Jung Mee-hee is a senior student at Sejong University in Seoul.