Hidden Treasure - Taizé Birmingham 2017

Friday 28th April - Monday 1st May 2017

Some time ago Sisters at St Mary’s Convent, saw an article asking if any places in the neighbourhood could host one or three young people over a long weekend, as TAIZÉ was coming to Birmingham.  Contact was made and St Mary’s was one host for the Handsworth area, accommodating 16 young people.
 
Nicole Keenan (postulant) was invited to help at registration on the Friday afternoon and so it began, an influx of young people into Birmingham from Europe, Great Britain and some even from the USA.   There was a real buzz as everyone was excited about the weekend ahead.  After registration and evening meal, everyone headed over to St Philip’s Anglican Cathedral for evening prayer. ​

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After this, there was the task of finding the host family houses.  With so many coming to St Mary’s, they travelled in two groups and were meet at the bus stop, then back to the house to be welcomed by the Sisters and shown to their rooms.  Everyone was excited to have a bed, as normally it’s a sofa or floor with a sleeping bag.  One of the young men staying here gave away his sleeping bag, when he found he had a bed.  This shows the spirit of this group. 
 
The next two days had the following format – breakfast eaten together before they headed off to Morning Prayer and scripture study in a local church.  In the afternoon there were two workshop slots on different topics, open to all to attend, even the host families.  Nicole attended “Rethinking Science within Christian Faith” and visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  Both of these talks were very informative and moving.  The evening closed with Taizé evening prayer at St. Martin’s in the Bullring.

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Those staying in St Mary’s were very fortunate to have the opportunity to attend Mass if they wished on the Sunday and Monday.  Bishop John Keenan of Paisley Diocese (staying in the house for the weekend), celebrated Mass early in the Convent Chapel.

​The Sisters enjoyed hearing the stories of the young people and the young people enjoyed the opportunity of living in a Convent and getting to know Sisters. 

You will find some of their comments below:

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• Thank you for the beautiful time I spent in your Convent of St Mary's, your hospitality and simplicity will stay in my heart;
• I was quite nervous about the event beforehand, but your warmth and friendliness made it feel like I was coming home every evening;
• Thank you for spreading your warmth to us and making our stay memorable;
• It was really a pleasure for me to be hosted by you and I really, enjoyed it;
• Thank you very much for making this weekend an amazing experience;
• Thank you for opening your hearts and for the friendly welcome that gave me a home from home.

​Everyone was leaving on the Monday, but before leaving Birmingham, they headed to St Chad’s Catholic Cathedral for the Closing Prayer and the opportunity to say goodbye to old and new friends.  

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