Brother Roger
Founder of Taizé
(1915-2005)

“Christ of compassion, you enable us to be in communion with those who have gone before us, and who can remain so close to us. We confide into your hands our Brother Roger. He already contemplates the invisible. In his footsteps, you are preparing us to welcome a radiance of your brightness.”

~ Taizé Community morning prayer following Br. Roger's death

The death of Brother Roger of Taizé is an immensely saddening event. More than anything else, the world needs the presence of a love of his depth and quality.

Brother Roger is the kindest, most loving human being I have ever met. He was certainly more feeble this past year, but still had a joyful radiance about him. Always surrounded by children, he continued to remain after Taizé evening services to bless all who wished to approach him.

Beyond sorrowful grieving, perhaps our best response is to nourish in ourselves and others the values for which Brother Roger lived. At the heart of these, it seems, is compassion towards all who touch our lives here and now (including ourselves), coupled with efforts to nudge our society and world – according to our particular gifts – a little further in the direction of allowing, fostering, and honoring compassion.

For the immediate present, we may simply join, as kindred spirits, in grieving this event, yet also expressing gratitude that human beings such as Brother Roger grace this earth.

~ Norm King