Brother Matthew: Ecumenical prayer vigil a 'pre-Synod gathering of hope, unity'

By Francesca Merlo and Christopher Wells

Brother Matthew, who will soon take the helm of the Taizé community, spoke at a press conference on Friday at the Holy See Press Office to introduce the Ecumenical Prayer Vigil.

The Vigil will be held on 30 September ahead of the General Assembly of the Synod, and takes place within the context of the "Together" gathering, an ecumenical event set to bring young people together in Rome.

In an interview with Vatican News' Christopher Wells, Brother Matthew shared his thoughts on the significance of the Ecumenical Prayer Vigil, a prelude to the Synod General Assembly, and its global outreach.

"I think it's important to distinguish that the prayer vigil is not the opening of the General Assembly, but it's like the start of the pre-Synod,” said Brother Matthew.

Brother Matthew (L) and Brother Alois (R)

Gathering the people of God

He explained the invitation from Pope Francis extends to Christians of all denominations.

It is “a gathering of the whole people of God in order to pray for something that's happening within the Catholic Church," something which resonates with the Taizé community.

"Of course, we can't have the whole people of God in Saint Peter's Square," he said, "but there will be people representative of the different walks of life within the Christian world."

Brother Matthew’s hope for the prayer vigil extends beyond the prayer vigil in St Peter’s Square.

“There's something very missionary in this prayer vigil of inviting all to come and take part," he said. "And people are sensitive, I think, to an invitation to feel that their contribution, their participation, their place is something important."

Global reach

The Ecumenical Prayer Vigil's reach extends far beyond Rome, with prayer gatherings planned in numerous countries worldwide. This global response reflects a shared commitment to join in unity and prayer for the Synod.

"In every state in Australia," he said, "and there will be prayers also in Kenya, in Uganda, in Japan, in some countries where I can't say the name, in Thailand, in the United States, in Canada, in Chile, Argentina, in a Latin American country where, again, I can't say the name, and in several places in Central America."

In conclusion, Brother Matthew invites everyone to find out more about the "Together" gathering at a dedicated website.

The event will be live-streamed across Vatican News' channels.

"Join us in this wonderful adventure of entrusting to the Holy Spirit what is happening at this moment in the Church," urged Brother Matthew.