SOME 900 people from around Ireland travelled to Dublin's Pro-Cathedral last night to "chill out spiritually" at a Taizé service.
The congregation consisted mainly of young adults, aged from 15-35 years, who attended the gathering which lasted for over 90 minutes.They faced an altar that was decorated with flickering white candles, and orange fabrics that represent the ecumenical Taizé community.
The evening prayer and vigil was hosted by the prior of the Taizé community, Br Alois, who was on his first visit to Ireland and will attend a similar event in Belfast this evening.
Br Alois (52) from Stuttgart in Germany, replaced the founder of the community, Br Roger, who was stabbed to death in 2005.
Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin also attended last night, along with representatives of different Christian denominations.
One of the ushers, Máire Conlan (20), a UCC social science student from Ennis in Co Clare, said she enjoyed a Taizé service because of its meditative simplicity. She said God was a big part of her life and during a Taizé event you "can chill out spiritually". Shane Sheedy (20) a third-year culinary arts student in Galway said a Taizé service helps to "recharge your battery".
In his address, Br Alois appealed to young people to invite others to pray with them as so many people are thirsting for "hope of the Gospel, though they are not always able to express it".
"Our world, ravaged by so much suffering, needs women and men who radiate God's peace through their lives," he concluded and urged his listeners to make "bold decisions" to enable them to advance on the "path of love and trusting".