Join the 2026 Taizé Pilgrimage for Young Adults

The Diocese of Portsmouth is inviting young adults aged 18 to 30 to join a pilgrimage to Taizé from July 18th to 26th, 2026. We will be travelling together with our friends from the Diocese of Bath and Wells, sharing the journey as a wider community of pilgrims.

Taizé is a deeply inspiring place. With a particular vocation to welcome people under 30, it gathers young adults from across the world every week of the year. Marked by simplicity, prayer and joy of heart, Taizé is a place where many have discovered or rediscovered faith, deepened their life of prayer, and experienced a rhythm of life centred on God that they then carry back into everyday life.

You are very welcome to come on your own or with friends. We will travel together from Portsmouth, getting to know one another along the way and growing as a community of fellow pilgrims.

What is Taizé?

The Taizé Community is an ecumenical Christian monastic community in Burgundy, France. Founded in 1940 by Brother Roger, the community today is made up of around eighty brothers from Catholic, Anglican and Protestant traditions, and from nearly thirty countries. By its very existence, Taizé seeks to be a “parable of community” – a living sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and separated peoples.

Taizé has become one of the world’s most important Christian pilgrimage destinations for young people. Each year, over 100,000 young adults travel there for prayer, Bible reflection, shared life and communal work. Through the community’s ecumenical spirit, pilgrims are encouraged to live with kindness, simplicity and a commitment to reconciliation.

At the heart of Taizé are two guiding aims: to live in communion with God through prayer, and to be a small but faithful sign of peace and trust among all people.

A stay at Taizé offers space to pray, to sing, to be silent, and to reflect. Many people find there a renewed sense of inner peace, purpose, and hope. Living simply alongside others is a reminder that everyday life is the place where Christ meets us.

Daily life at Taizé

During our week at Taizé, we will join the rhythm of the brothers’ daily life. Together with pilgrims from around the world, we take part in prayer three times a day, shared meals, small group discussions, and practical tasks such as serving meals or washing up. Simple living, silence during prayer and at night, and attentiveness to one another are all part of the experience.

Each day includes Bible reflections led by a brother of the community or a sister of Saint Andrew. Small groups and meetings provide space to listen, to ask questions, and to reflect on what it means to be human and how we can work for justice, peace and hope in today’s world.

A typical day begins with morning prayer, followed by breakfast. There is then an introduction to the day and time for personal reflection or group discussion. After midday prayer and lunch, afternoons include international small groups, practical work, or workshops exploring themes such as faith and daily life, work, society, art, culture, social justice and peace. Each day concludes with evening prayer and a candlelit vigil in the church, followed by silence for the night.

Practical information

Dates and travel

The pilgrimage will take place from July 18th to 26th, 2026. We will travel together by coach from Portsmouth to Taizé and return together, arriving back in Portsmouth on July 26th. While in Taizé, we will also connect with groups from other Church of England dioceses.

Accommodation and food

Simplicity is central to life at Taizé. Accommodation is basic, and pilgrims are encouraged to bring a tent, sleeping bag, pillow and towel. Shower facilities are available on site. All meals are provided and shared communally. Dietary needs are catered for, and while food is simple, you are welcome to bring small snacks if you wish.

Cost

The cost of the pilgrimage is £300 per person, which includes travel, accommodation and food.

Book your place

We very much hope you will consider joining us on this shared pilgrimage. Taizé – as a place, a community, and a space of prayer – offers a gentle but powerful experience that stays with people long after they return home.

If you are aged 18 to 30 and would like to take part, please contact Heather Powney, Diocesan Children, Youth and Families Officer, to book your place. You will be sent a registration form, and your place will be confirmed once payment is received. A pilgrim guide with further details will be shared nearer the time. We do hope you will be able to join us.

Taizé prayer in our diocese

If you have never experienced Taizé before, there are plenty of opportunities to experience prayer in the style of Taizé in churches across our diocese each month which all are welcome to attend.

• All Saints, Gurnard

• St John the Baptist, Purbrook

• Portsmouth Cathedral