On New Year’s Eve, 31 December, I joined the brothers of the Taize Community and 15,000 young people from various countries in Europe to pray in 2026. The prayer service was held in the Accor Arena in Paris as the conclusion of the annual European Meeting.

The annual Taize European Meeting, organized by the Taize brothers with numerous volunteers, is an opportunity for young people from across Europe to encounter one another, pray together, reflect on their lives and our world, and share in the joy of Christian community.

Peace was a major theme of this year’s European Meeting. During Christmastide, we recall the prophecies of Christ who is the ‘prince of peace’ and our desire for people in our hearts and our world.

I was accompanied by my father Allen and friend and former Moscow colleague Fr. Michael J. Ryan SM.

Br. Matthew, prior of the Taize Community, ended his 2026 letter with the following prayer: Bless us, God of love. Through the Holy Spirit, always guide our steps as we walk with the Risen Christ. May we seek to become pilgrims of hope, pilgrims of peace.