May 27-June 9, 2020

Are you looking to embrace the world through prayer, reflection and dialogue? Join young people from around the world as they participate in the prayer and work of the ecumenical monastic community of Taize, France. Experience how the Catholic tradition helps us to meaningfully dialogue with the world.

Students will depart for Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday, May 27 and return to the Marquette University campus the evening of June 9. The cost of the pilgrimage is $2000, including transportation between cities, accommodations and the meals for our one-week stay in Taizé.

We begin our pilgrimage at the Ecumenical Institute de Bossey, just outside the city of Geneva. We will spend a full day at the Chateau de Bossey learning about the World Council of Churches and the shared work of diakonia among world churches. An emphasis on the Catholic tradition of ecumenical dialogue will be explored. We continue with an exploration of the city of Geneva on Saturday and the role of John Calvin in the Swiss Reformation. The following week will feature a full week’s stay in the village of Taizé, France. The engagement in the daily communal prayer and guided reflections with the Taizé brothers can help students rediscover an inner peace, a meaning to life and a new impetus. An opportunity to visit the nearby abbey of Cluny will uncover the roots and contributions of early Catholic monasticism. The pilgrimage concludes in the city of Lyon with its wealth of cultural contributions, including Roman ruins, beautiful churches and historic architecture. Students will bring back the fruits of this experience to the Marquette community through support of Taizé Prayer services and through engagement in ecumenical and cross—cultural relationships.

Information Sessions

• Sunday, Feb 2, 7-8pm (Church of the Gesu, Lower Church)
• Monday, Feb 3, 6-7pm, AMU 305
• Thursday, Feb 6, 6-7pm, AMU 305
• Monday, Feb 10, 7-8pm, AMU 305
• Thursday, Feb 13, 6-7pm, AMU 305

Itinerary:

• Wed, May 27: Depart from Marquette University for an afternoon departure from Chicago O’Hare airport
• Thurs May 28: Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland, bus travel to Chateau de Bossey
• Friday, May 29: Exploring the grounds of Chateau de Bossey overlooking Lake Geneva. Spend a day learning about the formation and work of the World Council of Churches.
• Sat, May 29: Explore the city of Geneva’s significant churches and cultural sites. Learn about the evolution of the Reformation in this city. Share an evening meal as a group in the city.
• Sun, May 30: Travel via high speed train (TGV) and bus to Taize, France. Participate in evening prayer with the Taizé community on the feast of Pentecost.
• Mon-Sun, May 31- June 7: Join in the prayer of the Taizé Community three times each day (morning, midday and evening). Participate in international small group discussions, simple community tasks and communal meals. There are opportunities to visit the café each evening and join the youth around a bonfire.
• Sun, June 7: Midday departure for Lyon via bus and TGV, early evening Mass or church service in Lyon and exploration of the city.
• Mon, June 8: Explore cultural sites in Lyon. Communal meal together at a restaurant in the city.
• Tues, June 9: Departure from Lyon. Late afternoon arrival at Chicago O’Hare. Van returns to Marquette University in the early evening.

Apply online here for the pilgrimage. Application with non-refundable down payment of $1000 is due by Monday, February 17, 2020.