Brother Alois Leser, the prior of the Taize Community, attended the Taize International Meeting of Young Adults from Aug. 8-12. He encouraged young people go beyond the borders and be more open to others. (ucanews.com photo)
Brother Alois Leser travelled from France to Hong Kong for the Taize International Meeting of Young Adults in order to promote trust and reconciliation.
And on Aug. 10 the prior of the Taize Community met with church media representatives in Hong Kong to discuss the impact of rapid international change on young people.
Taize is an ecumenical Christian monastic community based in Burgundy comprised of brothers from both Catholic and Protestant traditions.
Brother Alois, at the Hong Kong gathering, cited pressure on young people to perform and achieve. "It is not easy," he said. "Many young people turn away from the church or even faith in Christ." But trust in God is vital, he advised.
He encouraged young people to embrace hope and generously serve those in need, especially the poor and immigrants, as well as to care for the environment. He said showing concern for the poor should be a constant priority, such as through regular visits.
Many youngsters feared what the future might bring. "So, in Taize, we encourage young people to go out without setting boundaries, especially to the poor," Brother Alois explained.
This had to entail overcoming divisions between communities, churches, cultures and nations through living the Gospel and prayer. Such an approach would bring individual freedom and joy.
During preparations for the international meeting in Hong Kong, Taize brothers visited religious sisters who serve the poorest of the poor. The aim was to encourage young people to spend time with lonely elderly people in poor health and to listen to their stories.
Brother Alois said that although Christians do not have answers for all the world's problems and conflicts, they could help bring people together regardless of nationality, ethnicity or religion.
And he cited deep bonds with Christians in China including Hong Kong. He said he admired the perseverance and faithfulness of Chinese Christians despite the fact they had limited resources.
In 2009, the Taize Community distributed a million Bibles in mainland China as an expression of friendship.
The Taize International Meeting of Young Adults with the theme "Pilgrimage of Trust and Reconciliation" was held from Aug. 8-12. It drew some 2,700 participants from more than 40 countries including mainland China. Local Christian communities joined the event, with an estimated one third of participants being Protestants.
