Students gathered in the chapel to spend an hour singing prayers, spending time in meditation and listening to short readings. The hum in the room was a peaceful sound that led others to join in on Taizé, an interfaith worship. Each person took a candle and sat around each other, eager to join in on the powerful songs. The lights dimmed to create a tranquil center for those worshipping and meditating. This first-time event became a successful night for learning and opening hearts. This worship event was put together by two campus ministry and social justice coordinators, Vanessa Miranda and Rachel Recolcolin. These two young women devoted to their faith and decided that Cabrini needed Taizé in their campus ministry in order to welcome all faiths to this college. “I experienced Taizé at my school as an undergrad and it really moved me and helped me to connect to my spirituality,” Miranda said.
Originated in 1940 in Taizé, France by Brother Roger, Taizé was meant to be a refuge for those seeking asylum during the second world war. Brother Roger felt the need to provide a safe-haven for those who were fleeing persecution, mostly jewish residents. As to not offend the Jewish faith or any other religions that gathered under his roof, Brother Roger developed Taizé as a contemplative worship.
The resonating hymn in the chapel welcomed newcomers to experience this interfaith worship. This meditative worship proved to be a moving experience for many and did not take up a large majority of time. It was an easy, yet fulfilling way to connect with not only God but oneself as well.
“There was a lot of planning behind this and getting the logistics down such as reaching out to people through social media and figuring out what the right location was. Having this service in the chapel was the best place for it,” Recolcolin said.
The service consisted of a few sung hymns, a moment of silence, a gospel reading with the “Our Father” and a concluding hymn that left people feeling a sense of healing. Afterwards, students and faculty were encouraged to partake in some socialization and warm cookies before being sent on their way home.
“It was very emotional and I agree, there was a great turnout here. It was an amazing first experience for me,” Morgan Perry, a social justice coordinator, said. Campus ministry is looking forward to possibly holding another Taizé prayer service before the New Year and encourages students and faculty to find more exciting events throughout the year on their Facebook page.
