Among the dedicated members of Taizé, an ecumenical monastic community in France’s Burgundy region, is Br Merric – an Australian who has spent nearly a decade immersed in the community’s life of prayer and work. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
Br Merric grew up in Victoria and was involved in the Church but knew nothing about the Taizé community, apart from a vague recollection of hearing about its practice of meditative chants.
While backpacking around Europe, and at the suggestion of a friend, he visited the community and was instantly captivated.
“There were about 4000 people there in the church praying and singing to God, expressing themselves in Bible studies and sharing, actually being able to speak about their faith,” he recalls.
“It hit me that young people do have a faith, that they are willing to sit and pray, and to sit in silence as well.”
The pattern of prayer at Taizé is chanting, prayers, a Scripture reading in several languages, singing and a long period of silence in the middle. The prayer services are held three times a day and are central to the vision of the founder, Br Roger.
The Protestant-born Br Roger came from Switzerland to France in the middle of the turmoil of World War II, seeking to establish a place of prayer in a spirit of reconciling Christianity.
That initial visit stirred something in him that eventually called Br Merric back to Taizé, where he began volunteering and immersing himself in the community’s rhythm of prayer and work, alongside others also seeking spiritual direction.
After a year of volunteering, and in consultation with the brothers, Br Merric decided to join the community. His path involved a rigorous process of formation that included theological studies at the Catholic University in the city of Lyon.
Br Merric contributes to the community’s mission of prayer and evangelisation, while also using his background in horticulture, which he studied in Australia.
While Taizé is home, Br Merric concedes he misses Australia, especially his family, and is only able to visit every couple of years.
But he is content in “the place where people can come together, share their stories and grow in their understanding of God and each other”.
FULL STORY
Br Merric: the contemplative life of a Taizé brother (Melbourne Catholic)
