I was first introduced to taizé-style prayer during Lent. I knew nothing about it—the nave was dark, illuminated by only candlelight; the music was meditative, offering a deep, spiritual contemplation. Later, when joining the church choir, I saw the word everywhere, and understood the hymns to be of a certain style. I knew the music would be resonant, echoing over the congregation, the kind of music that drowned out the world.

It wasn’t until this year’s feast of St. Cecilia, and I attended a presentation on music in the spiritual journey, that I learned it’s not just a kind of prayer—it’s an entire faith community.

Based in Taizé, France, the Taizé Community is comprised of both Catholic and Protestant brothers. According to their website:

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Roger Schutz-Marsauche, the 25-year-old son of a Reformed pastor, leaves Switzerland to help people in difficult situations in France. In Taizé, near the demarcation line that cut the country in two, he welcomes refugees, particularly Jews, fleeing the war. At the same time, he develops the project of creating a community, conceived by him during a long period of pulmonary tuberculosis.

This launched a thriving community and pilgrimage site, based in contemplating prayer, Bible studies, and—of course—music. Its melodies are simple and meditative, its lines from psalms and the scriptures. Put on one of Taizé’s official playlists during prayer and you’re immediately swept into a different mindset, a different place.

The community has several week-long retreats throughout the year for young adults. Over 2,000 people attend these retreats, each day filled with prayer, workshops, and aiding the community, and culminates in evening song and prayer. The evening prayer is livestreamed so the rest of us can participate, too.

I love how taizé music is both simple and complex. Anyone can participate, and its melodies can seem simple at first. But when you repeat those same lines over and over, there’s a depth only found in prayer. It’s an ideal meditation for those of us (likely many of us) who are not good at meditation—after focusing on getting down the notes, and then the words, both come easily so you can focus on the meaning instead. And imagine the resonance of all those voices coming together on a retreat! I’m glad we can experience that, too, without having to travel to Taizé ourselves.