Friday, August 19, 2005

responses to the death of frère roger


From ++Rowan:

(ACNS) The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has expressed his shock and sadness on learning of the horrific death of Brother Roger of Taizé:

“This is an indescribable shock. Brother Roger was one of the best loved
Christian leaders of our time, and hundreds of thousands will be feeling
his loss very personally, and remembering him in prayer and gratitude.

“But the shock and trauma for the community at Taizé will be heavy-and
it will be for all the young people who witnessed this event. All of
them are in our prayers.”

And from Pope Benedict:


At the end of today’s catechesis in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI paid homage to Brother Roger, who was killed yesterday in Taizé (eastern France). Visibly shaken and speaking extemporaneously, the Pontiff said this morning that he “received very sad, terrifying news; that Brother Roger, founder of the Taizé communities, was killed in a knife attack, most likely by a deranged woman”.

“This most sad news strikes me even more because just yesterday I received a letter from him,” the Pope said, “a very moving and loving letter in which he was wholeheartedly one with the Pope and all those who were in Cologne” for World Youth Days, an event that to which he could not come because of his health conditions, but in which he was “spiritually present”.

Benedict XVI also noted that, in his letter, Brother Roger said he intended to come to Rome and that the Taizé community wanted to walk with the new Pope.

“In this moment of sadness we can only commend to the Lord’s goodness the soul of His faithful servant who has reached eternal happiness,” the Pope added.

And lastly, an article from the Herald Tribune can be found here. Rest eternal grant unto him, o Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercies of God rest in peace. Amen.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Such an incredible tragedy. Guess it goes to show that there's nowhere where we are truly safe from the depravity of evil and sin except in the bosom of Christ.

Let me add to the mix the response of Metropolitan Hermon, the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America:

"Having just learned that Brother Roger’s life on earth has been senselessly taken from him and that he has fallen asleep in the Lord, I greet you with brotherly love in Christ and extend my sincere condolences.

Throughout the many years of his monastic life and service, Brother Roger was a well-known example of dedication to the work of Christian Unity.

Through the example of his life, Brother Roger reminded all Christians of our call to be one in the Lord. The great legacy that he leaves behind has now been entrusted to you.

Be assured of our fervent prayer that the Lord will grant rest with the saints to His newly-departed servant, Brother Roger, and make his memory to be eternal!”