Requiem Aeterna dona ei Domine

Frère Roger, the Founder of the Taizé Community in France* was stabbed and died instantly during Vespers last night. When I first saw that he had died, I presumed it was old age, he was 90 and had been very frail when I was last in Taize (which is nearly 3 years ago), but no, it was murder. I really don't know what to say. The Taizé community is a wonderful place and has done so much to promote God's Kingdom. It seems mad that anyone would want to murder Frère Roger.

I have been to Taizé twice myself, once in 2001 and once in 2002. It is such a peaceful place and I love the way everything is focussed around prayer and praying with 6000 other people, predominantly 16-30 year olds from all over Europe, is amazing.

*Though their website is down at the moment due to too many hits.