Vatican City, Aug 11, 2010 / 14:20 pm
Pope Benedict has joined himself in prayer with the Taize community as the anniversary of the death of their founder, Brother Roger, and the milestone of the community's 70th year, approach. The Pope called the founder "a pioneer" in building the unity of Christians.
Brother Roger founded the now famous community in Taize, France on Aug. 20, 1940 to assist refugees of World War II, counting on the aid of friends and his sister. They devoted themselves to tending to all people in need, a charism that members continue to carry out to this day, nearly 70 years later.
The coming anniversary will be bittersweet for the community as this month also marks the fifth anniversary of the murder of their founder, which took place on Aug. 16, 2005 during evening prayer.
The anniversary has led many Christian leaders, including Pope Benedict, to send letters to the community, communicating their greetings, congratulations and condolences.