A week in silence

During their stay in Taizé young people may choose to spend the week in silence. Taking time to listen ––through prayer, Bible reading and personal reflection–– can refresh us and help us to discover more deeply God’s presence in our lives.

Young adults spending the week in silence take part in the common prayers together with everyone else. Accommodation and meals are in an area set aside for silence. Each day one of the sisters or brothers leads a Bible reflection. Those who wish can meet individually and speak with one of them. The rest of the day is spent on one’s own. Suggestions are given on how to spend the time.

You can also choose to spend two days in silence, from Thursday evening to Sunday.

On arrival, please let the welcome team know that you are thinking about spending a week in silence. One of the sisters or brothers can help you choose the best way to spend the week.


Some testimonies

Julia, Germany

Spending one week in silence is not … a test to show me and others that I can live one week without talking at all. Taking part in the silence programme means to live and create an atmosphere which enables me to be with myself and to receive and discover God’s work in me. (...) During my silence week I learned that ups and downs are not a problem. Actually, they are part of what we call life.

Bogumił, Poland

This was both demanding and fruitful time. I am sure that silence gives us a special space that enables us to connect to God. In order to hear His voice we must focus. But it is so difficult to focus when there is usually so much noise around and inside us. That’s why I think we need silence.

Pascale, France

I just did two days of silence, but the first thing is that it really helped to slow down the inside feelings. It calm down all the thoughts, problems… we have to deal with. It is like a “stop” in the mind so it is very relaxing. Maybe it pushes us more in the present time. And the bible introduction really helped for that.

Johnson, Malaisie

This silence doesn’t comes from fear, but it came in like a gentle wind, blown to your face.

  • Beauty is the silence that brought us all together,
  • Beauty is the silence that bring us love,
  • Beauty is that love that need not be spoken,
  • Beauty is that love that keep us together.
  • Beauty is that love that God gave us.

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