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Benaulim, Goa
Taizé Prayer Service Draws Youth to Silence and Contemplation at Benaulim
News reported by: Francis Xavier
The Don Bosco Youth Paschers organised a Taizé Prayer Service on February 8 at the Don Bosco Animation Centre, Benaulim, creating a serene space of worship, silence, and reflection for nearly 50 participants from diverse age groups. Open to all, the two-hour prayer experience invited the faithful to pause from daily routines and encounter God through simplicity, stillness, and communal prayer.
Rooted in the spiritual tradition of the Taizé Community in France, Taizé Prayer is known for its contemplative character, marked by repetitive chants, Scripture, prolonged silence, and a strong focus on the cross. The prayer service fostered a calm, reverent atmosphere, drawing participants into deeper meditation on the Word of God and an awareness of God’s presence.
The service opened with chants of praise and thanksgiving that invoked the Holy Spirit's presence and gently guided the assembly into prayer. Addressing the gathering, Father Austin Fernandes explained the origins, meaning, and spiritual significance of Taizé Prayer, highlighting its relevance for contemporary Christian life, especially for young people seeking interior peace and spiritual depth. He then blessed the cross and the participants, setting a solemn and prayerful tone for the evening.
As the prayer unfolded, moments of silence alternated with soft, meditative chants, allowing individuals to reflect personally while remaining united in communal worship. Participants were encouraged to voice their personal intentions aloud, strengthening the sense of shared faith and togetherness. One by one, they were invited to approach the cross and place their hands upon it—a powerful gesture of surrender and trust that many found deeply moving and spiritually enriching.
The prayer service concluded with all gathered around the cross as Father Fernandes imparted the final blessing and sprinkled holy water on the assembly. Participants departed with hearts filled with peace, renewed faith, and a deeper sense of God’s nearness.
Echoing the spirit of the evening and the Salesian charism, the words of Saint John Bosco resonated strongly with those present: “Prayer is the key which opens God’s heart.” The Taizé Prayer Service served as a gentle yet profound reminder of this truth, inviting all—especially the youth—to encounter God through silence, simplicity, and prayer.
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