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“AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME”

Posted March 3, 2010

           “A thirst for life in fullness . . . a call to transform the world.” This was what brought thousands of people from all over the world to gather at Don Bosco Technical Insitute-Makati for five full days to join the Taize Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth.

           Fresh from the hectic 56th Foundation Day Celebration of our school, I wasn’t sure if I would be joining the Taize Pilgrimage or not especially after resting for few days. Nevertheless, I found myself registering for the same reasons that some of my fellow Bosconians have: I wanted to experience God. The Taize Pilgrimage was a once-in-a-life time chance to experience God in a different way, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

           The pilgrimage started like any other event with a simple orientation. Bosconian participants, as well as other participants were oriented and welcomed at the Roozen Hall of St. John Bosco Parish. It seemed like a very normal and dull day until we proceeded to the school.

           The school was so different that it didn’t seem like the school anymore. The Savio Dome and Magone Dome were decorated elegantly, yet simply, with large bright orange streamers, complemented with large posters of Jesus. People of different faces, races and places were scattered around the school, exploring it to familiarize themselves with the venue of the coming events. Strangely, we didn’t expect that our school could look that wonderful. It was a completely different place.

           Our astonishment went a notch higher during the evening, when the first evening prayer was held. The Savio Dome hosted the huge crowd of people, who were all seated facing the largely decorated stage. Platforms were set for the Taize Brothers in the middle of the crowd. We waited for them to be ready. Immediately after, the prayer started. The songs were meaningful and melodious most especially when the crowd started singing them. The heartfelt singing of the crowd was so pleasing that it gave me goose bumps. It was an utterly beautiful and unique prayer experience.

           Singing with the crowd made me feel I was a part of something beautiful. We poured out our hearts singing for God, singing for one purpose. All the songs were in different languages. But they all have the same meaning of love, peace and faith that all of us should live by. We all understood the songs, though we were from different places and the songs were of different languages. During the evening prayer, we, did not know most of the people there. But all of us were part of being one with God.

           After the singing, we had a brief moment of silence. Strangely, it was in these moments that I felt God most. Silence is a means on which we can hear God. I have learned from  experience that sometimes, we just need to calm ourselves, be silent and just listen.

           The common prayers were repeated three times a day for the next three days. After each prayer, Brother Alois, Prior of Taize Community, left us messages to ponder upon during the day. These messages were inspirational and spiritual.

           One message is about the theme of the pilgrimage. We are all thirsty for God. We look for God in our own way. What we don’t know is, God is thirsty for us as well. He fills and quenches our thirst for him in opportunities like the pilgrimage itself.

           Another is about the Philippines. For the brothers of Taize, the Philippines is the home of unity, courage and faith especially in the young people. Brother Alois reminded us about the courage we Filipinos have shown in the First EDSA Revolution. He reminded us that Filipinos are persons of courage and faith. He urged us young people to carry out that courage that we possess.

           Another message that still lingers in my memory is on the calamity that struck Haiti. Brother Alois read to us a message of a Haitian who sent a letter to the Taize brothers regarding his experience. He described the horrifying images of Haiti after the earthquake. He described their suffering and depression. He said that they did not know about aftershocks and were caught off-guard by them. After reading the message, Brother Alois said that there is a dire need for global unity. We, the fortunate countries, should help those who are less fortunate. Haiti is just one of the countries which needs our help. There are hundreds more.

           With those messages in mind, we spent most of the days in small groups sharing. We were assigned to different groups for activities like sharing and reflection. We had the opportunities to meet and share with different people. The small group sharing not only became bridges to other people’s ideas and opinions but also a way to meet new friends.

           All in all, the Taize Pilgrimage of trust gave us Bosonians a unique experience of prayer and interaction. Ultimately, in these opportunities, we can experience God. I can definitely say that I got what I came for: I EXPERIENCED GOD.

Judge Calimbahim
Third Year Student