Festival "Venite, Adoremus 2024"
2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
The Chapel for Europe invites you to take part in the ‘Venite, Adoremus 2024’ Eucharistic Adoration Festival.
The Chapel will host the Venite, Adoremus 2024 Festival in the crypt on :
– Monday 18 November from 12:00 to 14:00.
– Tuesday 19 November from 12:00 to 13:00. You are invited to join the weekly Mass at 1.15pm in the Chapel.
– Wednesday 20 November from 12:00 to 13:00. You are invited to join the weekly Mass at 1.15pm in the Chapel.

The Festival of Eucharistic Adoration ‘Venite, Adoremus 2024’ will be from 14 to 24 November 2024, throughout Belgium.
HERE the full programme.

Alpha Course at the Chapel
2024-11-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-11-27 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-11-30 10:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-01-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-01-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Come and be curious. An alpha course is a series of group conversations that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment. Everyone’s welcome. No matter your background or beliefs, you’re invited.
Alpha brings together people from all walks of life who are curious about faith. Each session starts with some time to eat, relax and get to know your group.
Each session covers a different topic of faith, either in a short talk or video. The Alpha episodes are designed to engage and inspire conversation. They’re about thirty minutes long and explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus?, How can we have faith? and How does God guide us?
The last part of an Alpha is a chance to share your thoughts on the session’s topic and discuss it in your small groups. It’s an open and welcoming environment, no matter what your opinion. There’s no pressure to say anything, but the floor is yours if you do want to.
Dates: 12 Wednesdays, 19:00-20:30 (16.10.-15.12.24; 15.1.-22.1.25) and one Saturday, 10:00-18:00 (30.11.)

Adoration
2024-12-04 14:30 - 16:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
SIDE EVENT OF THE 27th ANNUAL EUROPEAN PRAYER BREAKFAST
ADORATION at the Chapel for Europe on Wednesday, 4 December 14:30 – 16:00
During days of many commitments, we invite you to meet Jesus also in a time of quiet personal prayer. Be there yourself, in front of Him, with all that is in your head and your heart, and experience His presence.
The Chapel for Europe (3 minutes from the European Parliament, Rue Van Maerlant 22) offers a space for silent prayer. In the afternoon of December 4, the Chapel will be open for personal prayer in silence and adoration.
The Body of Christ – in the catholic tradition present in the bread that was consecrated at mass – on the altar leads to an immediate encounter and prayerful personal dialogue with the Lord.
The silent time of adoration starts with a short common prayer and ends with a prayer of blessing. You are welcome to join at any moment and stay as long as you can.

Photo exhibition: Getting to know the Christians of the Middle East
2025-01-14 12:00 - 2025-02-14 14:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Photo exhibition: Getting to know the Christians of the East: An exhibition of current and heritage photos of the Christians of the East.
Thanks to L‘Œuvre d’Orient the Chapel for Europe will showcase this photo exhibition from 14.01.2025 to 14.02.2025 during the Chapel’s opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 14:00. You can also make an appointment to visit the exhibition at other times and/or bring a group from your community. Contact: welcome@chapelforeurope.eu
Since it was founded in 1856, Œuvre d’Orient has expanded its field of action while remaining faithful to its vocation: to give priests and religious communities the means to carry out their missions in the service of all. For more than 170 years, l’Œuvre d’Orient has been helping Eastern Christians from 23 countries in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, Eastern Europe, and India.

Histoire de l’Œuvre d’Orient

1856 : Traité de Paris, fin de la guerre de Crimée, la France est reconnue protectrice des chrétiens de l’Empire ottoman.
4 avril 1856 : Fondation de l’Œuvre des Écoles d’Orient par des laïcs professeurs à la Sorbonne : le mathématicien Augustin Cauchy, l’helléniste Charles Lenormant, Alfred de Falloux, Charles de Montalembert et le Père de Ravignan.
L’association est destinée à soutenir les écoles francophones au Liban.
1857 : L’abbé Charles Martial Lavigerie est nommé 1er directeur de l’Œuvre des Écoles d’Orient. Il devient ensuite évêque de Nancy, puis archevêque d’Alger, cardinal et fondateur des Pères Blancs.
1857 : Novembre, Publication du premier bulletin de L’Œuvre d’Orient. CENT SOIXANTE ET UN ANS D’INVENTAIRE DES BULLETINS DE L’ŒUVRE D’ORIENT
1858 : L’Œuvre des Écoles d’Orient est reconnue Œuvre d’Église par le pape Pie IX.
1860 : Massacre des chrétiens par les Druzes qui soulève une forte mobilisation en France.
1886 : Mgr Félix Charmetant, fervent défenseur de la cause arménienne, devient directeur de l’Œuvre des Écoles d’Orient.
1931 : L’Œuvre des Écoles d’Orient devient l’Œuvre d’Orient et collabore étroitement avec la Congrégation pour les Églises orientales.
2010 : Mgr Pascal Gollnisch devient le 11ème directeur de l’Œuvre d’Orient sur proposition de l’archevêque de Paris.
2014 : Mgr Pascal Gollnisch est nommé par le cardinal Vingt-Trois, vicaire général de l’ordinariat des Orientaux catholiques en France.
2016 : 160 ans de l’Œuvre d’Orient
Depuis sa création en 1856, l’Œuvre d’Orient a élargi son champ d’action tout en restant fidèle à sa vocation : donner aux prêtres et aux communautés religieuses les moyens d’accomplir leurs missions, au service de tous.

Windows to Heaven - Icons in the Orthodox Church
2025-02-06 19:00 - 20:30
Icons have a very important role in the spirituality and liturgy of the orthodox churches. These images of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary or Saints help the viewer to get in touch with God. They are called “Windows to heaven”.
Archpriest Paweł Cecha, Rector of the Polish Orthodox parish in Bruxelles will give us an introduction into the Orthodox understanding of icons, the theology and spirituality behind them and their liturgical use.
The Chapel offers also a course on writing icons. More information here.

HOW TO DISAGREE WELL - Scriptural Reasoning, a Dialogue Between Faiths
2025-02-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
A series of three conferences on the difficult journey of HOPE and how to transform conflict.
In English.
This series aims to facilitate a deep encounter between faith and some leaders involved in the public and political sphere.
From the heart of Europe, we want to contribute to a more sustainable peace in today’s polarized society, not through seeking shallow common ground, but through better understanding our differences – learning to disagree well.
Following the “Rose way” we invite you to navigate change and transform conflict so together we can re-imagine peace.
This is a joint project of Rose Castle Foundation and the Chapel for Europe.
♦2nd Conference – Tuesday 11.02.2025 – 19:00
HOW TO DISAGREE WELL – SCRIPTURAL REASONING, A DIALOGUE BETWEEN FAITHS
Inspired by the World Interfaith Harmony Week, we want to introduce this fresh approach to modern day inter-faith dialogue, which puts scripture at the heart of the conversation. Unlike some forms of inter-faith engagement, it is not about seeking agreement but rather sharing our very different scriptural texts to address a shared contemporary challenge or issue. The aim is to discover a better quality of disagreement, so we can collaborate for God’s sake as we seek repair of a broken world.
Guests for a living practice:
– Rose Castle Foundation – Moderation by Canon Sarah Snyder
– Prof. Stephan Goltzberg – Profesor and researcher at ULB on comparative legal reasoning, law and religion.
– Prof. Nick Adams – Professor of Philosophical Theology – University of Birmingham – (UK)
– Prof Dr Lejla Demiri – Chair of Islamic Doctrine at the Center for Islamic Theology, University of Tubingen (Germany).
♦3rd Conference – Tuesday 13.05.2024 – 19:00
HOW TO DISAGREE WELL –TOOLS TO HELP US NAVIGATE THROUGH CHANGE, CHAOS AND CONFLICT
We are facing heightened change and conflict across Europe once again, with communities facing destructive division/polarization. How can we be wiser leaders across these societal divides, without compromising on what we believe? Rose Castle Foundation works with outstanding young leaders, equipping them as “reconcilers” across some of the world’s deepest divides. Together they share their insights from collaborating across substantial differences in political and social contexts.
– Rose Castle Foundation – Moderation by Canon Sarah Snyder
– M. Ahmed Haykel Gaafar – director of REspect!, a reporting portal countering hate speech in Germany
– M. David Hazan – serves as a Hazan at the Norrice Lea Synagogue in London and training at the Rabbinic Academy.
– M. Jean-Louis Hanff – Member of the Christian Democrat party in Belgium “Les Engages” and member of the Belgian CVX – Christian life Community
The 1st Conference was held on Tuesday 21.01.2025 – 19:00: HOW TO DISAGREE WELL – CHRISTIAN RECONCILIATION
You can watch the live-stream. Here is the link.
During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we aimed to discuss Rose Castle’s project “Christian Wisdom of Reconciliation” based on the 12 Habits of reconciliation for fostering Ecumenical Dialogue.
Reconciliation seeks healing of what is broken. It recognizes all is not well, and repair is needed.
The 12 Habits are practical characteristics emerging from decades observing “reconcilers” on the front lines of violent conflict. They are rooted within the Christian faith, whilst also accessible to anyone seeking to be a reconciling presence within their context. Click here to find out more.
Guests on “How they understand Christian Unity in practice – John 17″
– Rose Castle Foundation – Moderation by Canon Sarah Snyder
– Rev. Dr. Sorin Șelaru – Representing the Orthodox Churches to the EU
– Fr Manuel Barrios Prieto – General Secretary of COMECE
– Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach – General Secretary of CEC

Retreat in Daily Life during Lent
2025-03-06 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-03-13 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-03-20 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-03-27 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-04-03 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-04-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Lent is a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth—an opportunity to reorient our lives and strengthen our relationship with God. The Chapel invites you to a Retreat in Daily Life that will help you deepen your spirituality and grow in the experience of God’s closeness.
This retreat is based on Ignatian spirituality and will focus on the Credo—formulated at the Council of Nicaea (325 ad), 1,700 years ago. The Credo is still the basic summary of the Christian faith in all churches today, it will guide us as we reflect on our daily lives during Lent. The retreat will include a personal daily prayer, for which instructions will be given, a prayerful review of the day and weekly sharing in the group.

Start Date: 6 March at 19:30 in the crypt
Weekly Meetings on Thursdays at 19:30 until 10 April in the crypt

To register or for more information, please contact Fr. Bernd Günther SJ at bernd.guenther@chapelforeurope.eu

Mothers, role models of faith - An interfaith dialogue
2025-03-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
The love and guidance of a mother undeniably shape our perspective on life, while their nurturing support helps us grow in faith. A mother’s ability to impart faith is a powerful influence that guides us through our journey, serving as a beacon of hope and strength.
Through stories, prayers, and words of wisdom, mothers empower their children to dream, believe in themselves, and overcome life’s challenges. A mother’s faith is characterized by an unshakable love – a love that transcends fear and nurtures resilience.
We are so excited to introduce you to four incredible mothers from diverse religious backgrounds. These amazing women will be sharing their journeys as faith-filled transmitters of faith and how their beliefs play a crucial role in raising their children:

Nehama Uzan – Programme Director – European Jewish Community Centre
Joëlle Troeder-Leblond – Co- chair for Soka Gakkai International Belgium with responsibility for women’s activities (Buddhist)
Mari Sol Pérez Guevara – Poet, author of the book “Spirituality and burnout”, spiritual coach and Theology student. Catholic.
Tiar Rkia – President of the European Women of Faith Network (Muslim)

Facilitator : Sabina González Vilas – Program and Interfaith Dialogue Manager at the Chapel for Europe

Religious education: fit for present and future?
2025-06-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Religious education: fit for present and future? The role of Religion in the formation of young generations at the European Schools.

This event, organized by COMECE, the religious authorities responsible for religion at the European Schools, and the Chapel for Europe, aims to foster a discussion on the role of Religious education today in the special setting of the European Schools. In light of the current reforms proposed for this subject, the event aims to highlight the importance of Religion for young people today by gathering input from the entire educational community, including learners, teachers, parents, and experts.
Keynote speech
Dr. h.c. Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission’s Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life
Panel discussion
Prof. Geoffrey Legrand, Doctor in Theology and Lecturer at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, UCLouvain
Domitilla Savoia, pupil
Prof. Konstantinos Kenanidis, teacher of Orthodox Religion at the European Schools
Dr Christian Behrmann, Chair of the Association of Protestant Parents of the European Schools of Brussels
Moderation by Emilio Dogliani, COMECE Policy Adviser for Education, Culture, Youth and Social Affairs.
PLEASE, REGISTER. Click HERE to be redirected.
Registered participants residing outside of Brussels will receive a link for online participation.
4 June 2025, 19:30-21:00 CEST at the Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlant 22, 1040 Brussels.

Opening of the Exhibition-Laboratory: “If you leave, you take the Trinity with you”
2025-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Opening of the Exhibition- Laboratory
“If you leave, you take the Trinity with you” The Council of Nicaea and the origin of Knowledge as Relation
In occasion of the celebration of 1700 years since the First Council of Nicaea.
The exhibition aims to help us decisively take a new path, as expressed in a quote attributed to Saint Gregory of Nazianzus when he was stopped at the gates of the city “If you leave, you take the Trinity with you.” Those who were leaving should carry the Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) in their hearts and lives. The Trinity is not just a theological concept but a present reality to be experienced and incarnated into the world.
In Nicaea I, the Trinity is understood in its fascinating tension between knowledge and relationship, originated by a happening when Saint Spyridon of Tremithus, Bishop of Cyprus, performed a miracle involving a brick to demonstrate the Holy Trinity. It revealed itself to the listeners in its three elements of water, earth, and fire while remaining one. It is an eye-opener not only for the originality with which the Trinity can become creatively and concrete vividly in the world, but also for the necessity of seeing God in relationships of all kinds.
The exhibition is a kind of laboratory that, in the context of Nicaea I, not only shows how word, image, and matter are interwoven, but also how we can recognize one in the other without separating or mixing them. The goal is to practice sincerity of understanding, which, according to Guardini, means: “Knowledge is always somehow an encounter in love.”
1st part: Relationship in the word
2nd part: Relationship with the image, with the image embodied
3rd part: Relationship with the other, with this source of renewal
The exhibition will be open for visits until Thursday 16th October 2025.
Organisers and curators:
Prof. Dr. Yvonne DOHNA SCHLOBITTEN – Professor at the Faculty of History and Cultural Heritage of the Church – Pontifical Gregorian University and Prof. Dr. Lucian LECHINTAN sj – Pontifical Oriental Institute.

Alpha Course at the Chapel - September 2025
2025-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Come and be curious. An Alpha course is a series of group conversations that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment. Everyone’s welcome. No matter your background or beliefs, you’re invited.
Alpha brings together people from all walks of life who are curious about faith. Each session starts with some time to eat, relax, and get to know your group.
Each session covers a different topic of faith, either in a short talk or video. The Alpha episodes are designed to engage and inspire conversation. They’re about thirty minutes long and explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus?, How can we have faith? And how does God guide us?
The last part of an Alpha course is a chance to share your thoughts on the session’s topic and discuss it in your small group. It’s an open and welcoming environment, no matter what your opinion. There’s no pressure to say anything, but the floor is yours if you do want to.
Here you find an introduction video.
Dates: 11 Wednesdays from 19:00 to 20:30, starting on Wednesday, 24 September, and once on a Saturday, date to be confirmed.
Registration required. Limited places.
For further information or questions, please contact Fr. Bernd Guenther at: bernd.guenther@chapelforeurope.eu

2025-2026 ECUMENICAL OPENING PRAYER / PRIÈRE ŒCUMÉNIQUE DE LA RENTRÉE
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Save-The-Date!
The Chapel for Europe invites you to its traditional Ecumenical Opening Prayer 2025–2026.
The Ecumenical Prayer team will lead this moment of prayer, which brings together friends of the Chapel from different Christian denominations every year. In these challenging times—marked by division, war, and uncertainty across Europe and the world—let us come together in a spirit of unity and hope.
When: Thursday, 25.09.2025 at 19:00 at the Chapel for Europe.
After the celebration, a simple reception.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Chapel for Europe for this meaningful moment of shared prayer.
********* ********* ********** ********** ********** ********** ***********
Réservez la date !
La Chapelle pour l’Europe vous invite à sa traditionnelle Prière œcuménique de la rentrée 2025–202, à la Chapelle.
L’équipe de la Prière œcuménique animera ce moment de prière, qui réunit chaque année les amis de la Chapelle issus de différentes confessions chrétiennes. En ces temps difficiles — marqués par la division, la guerre et l’incertitude en Europe et dans le monde —, unissons-nous dans un esprit d’unité et d’espérance.
Quand : Jeudi, 25.09.2025 à 19:00 à la Chapelle pour l’Europe.
Après la célébration, un verre de l’amitié.
Nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir à la Chapelle pour l’Europe pour ce temps fort de prière et de partage.

Alpha Course at the Chapel - September 2025
2025-10-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-12 19:00 - 21:00
Come and be curious. An Alpha course is a series of group conversations that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment. Everyone’s welcome. No matter your background or beliefs, you’re invited.
Alpha brings together people from all walks of life who are curious about faith. Each session starts with some time to eat, relax, and get to know your group.
Each session covers a different topic of faith, either in a short talk or video. The Alpha episodes are designed to engage and inspire conversation. They’re about thirty minutes long and explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus?, How can we have faith? And how does God guide us?
The last part of an Alpha course is a chance to share your thoughts on the session’s topic and discuss it in your small group. It’s an open and welcoming environment, no matter what your opinion. There’s no pressure to say anything, but the floor is yours if you do want to.
Here you find an introduction video.
Dates: 12 Wednesdays from 19:00 to 20:30, starting on Wednesday, 24 September, and once on a Saturday, date to be confirmed.
Registration required. Limited places.
For further information or questions, please contact Fr. Bernd Guenther at: bernd.guenther@chapelforeurope.eu
