When the definitive history of Christianity in the twentieth century is written, one of the key figures will certainly be that of Roger Schutz-Marsauche (1915-2005), known as Brother Roger, the founder and first prior of the Taize Community in France. Taize is familiar to many across the world for its music and contemplative style of worship, and as a place where tens of thousands of young Christians flock each year to spend a time of prayer and reflection. What is less well-known is the underlying reality that makes all this possible: a monastic community of brothers from over twenty-five different countries and different Christian traditions striving to live as a "parable of community," a sign of unity in the midst of divided Christians and a world torn apart. This first volume of Brother Roger's journals covers the years from his arrival in Taize during World War II to the turbulent 1960s, when young adults began making their way to the hill of Taize in their searching. These collected insights, reflections, and accounts of personal encounters and current events offer what is perhaps the best portrait of the founder of Taize. They bring to light key aspects of the community which continues to attempt to put into practice the vision that inspired him.
