In the context of the 48th European meeting of Taizé, from December 28th 2025 to January 1st 2026, in Paris, the novitiate community had the opportunity to welcome four young Ukrainian women as pilgrims of Hope. The novices shared their experiences of being with them.

A meeting marked by the hope for peace

Iaryna, Iryna, Mariia, Sofia… four names with a Ukrainian accent, four smiling faces radiating peace.

For several days, we had the joy of “living together,” broadening our horizons of a country we often hear about: Ukraine. The news on television shows us a people who are suffering, who are fighting courageously… a devastated country… But this European gathering in Taizé allowed me to see something else and beyond… With the 1,000 young pilgrims from Ukraine present in Paris, Iaryna, Iryna, Mariia, and Sofia in the community, it was sheer joy!  As Brother Matthew said, “You are for us a sign of the hope for peace that we all carry in our hearts.”

Now, despite the distance, “We are together in the hope for Peace!”

A time of grace and blessing

“Hosting these young people for four days was an opportunity to welcome the Ukrainian people, who have been suffering from war since 2022, and to bring us closer to this reality, an experience of contemplation and admiration. But the war has not taken away their joy, nor their zest for life, still less their faith, which touched me deeply.

Language was not a barrier: each one of us found a way to make ourselves understood in order to communicate.

Several activities were experienced as a community. One in particular touched me deeply: a visit to a synagogue allowed me to learn and open myself to the ecumenical and interreligious dimension present in Taizé. Witnessing the dialogue that our Church is trying to promote is a treasure that invites me to change my perspective.

For me, it was a way of celebrating Christmas: welcoming the child of Nazareth represented by these young people, a time of grace and blessing for our community.

Fraternal encounter and sharing

It was in a warm and joyful atmosphere that the Christmas bells rang out in the novitiate community.

With the arrival of these four young women, I had a very unique experience. Through them, I met and welcomed Christ. He knocked on my door and came to join me in my hidden humanity. During this short stay, I witnessed firsthand the distress of their country in the midst of misery and the many sufferings that result from it. Their courage and unwavering faith in coming to witness and pray with others filled me with overwhelming admiration.

Inspired by the joy of this encounter and fraternal sharing, I also discovered and learned a great deal through some of their activities. It was a moment of gratitude and unexpected joy for me. May the God of peace they so desire continue to watch over them and strengthen them.

A Christmas of brotherhood and gratitude

“It is with a heart filled with joy, love, and gratitude that I come to share this Christmas experience with you.

Welcoming four young people was, for me, a gift from heaven. My family has grown with these new sisters that the Lord has given me: a very powerful time of sisterhood, conviviality, and good family moments.

I had the privilege of participating, with the young people from the chaplaincy, during a time of prayer in Bercy with 10,000 young people from 73 European countries.

This time of prayer was for me a time of praise and thanksgiving: to be all gathered together in the name of CHRIST, to raise our voices together to HIM, for He alone gives comfort, relief, peace, and hope. Seated on the ground, we experienced profound silence. These young people, who had left a country at war to pray with others to the One who gives peace, moved me deeply.

Exchanges and testimonies of faith

“During their stay, we shared with them and with other young pilgrims welcomed in the area, times of prayer in the parish of Saint Pierre de Bondy and also in Paris, in a spirit of fraternity, contemplation, and hope.

These moments spent together were rich in exchanges and testimonies of faith despite the trials their country is going through. They were a beautiful Christmas gift for me and for the entire novitiate community.

On January 1st, 2026, after the Eucharistic celebration at the parish and a festive meal in community, Iaryna, Iryna, Mariia, and Sofia returned to Ukraine, continuing their pilgrimage experience.

We give thanks to God for this wonderful encounter and for the communion experienced beyond borders.

Novitiate Community

Les Pavillons-sous-bois (93) France