Saint Thurian

Max Thurian was born on August 16, 1921, in Geneva, Switzerland. He served as the subprior of the Taizé community from its inception in the 1940s until his death. Thurian played a significant role during the Second Vatican Council, being invited by Pope Paul VI to observe and contribute to the liturgical reforms of the Catholic Mass. In 1969, he expressed satisfaction with these reforms. However, in a later article published on July 24, 1996, Thurian expressed concern that the practical implementation of the reforms might diminish the mystery inherent in the Mass. On May 12, 1988, Thurian converted to Catholicism and was ordained as a priest.