Journals of Brother Roger of Taizé, Volume 2: 1969-1972

This is the second volume of the personal journals of Roger Schutz-Marsauche (1915-2005), known as Brother Roger, the founder and first prior of the Taize Community in France, an ecumenical monastic community that strives to live as a "parable of community" in a divided world. Taize is known especially for its music and contemplative style of worship, and as a place where tens of thousands of young Christians flock each year to spend a time of prayer and reflection. This volume covers the years from 1969 to 1972 and is centered on the genesis and first preparations of a "Council of Youth." The project was inspired by the crisis in the Catholic Church in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, and the slowdown of ecumenism after the glowing hopes kindled in the wake of the Council. It was an attempt to take seriously the aspirations of the younger generation and orient them in a positive direction. Brother Roger also talks in these pages about the ongoing life of the community, his personal spiritual journey, and many important encounters that took place in those eventful years.