Chapel for Europe

Messe pour les enfants et leur parents / Children's mass with parents
2025-03-02 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-06 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-05-11 11:00 - 12:30 (Europe/Brussels) | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
The service will be held mainly in French; some parts could be in English, depending on the participants.
Une célébration avec enfants de 0 à 6 ans et leurs familles.

Célébrant: P. Bernd Günther sj.
Voici les dates suivantes pour 2025: 1 juin , 6 juillet. Veuillez également lire nos communications en cas de changement de date.
La Messe s’adresse spécialement aux enfants de 0 à 6 ans, ils/elles restent sur le grand tapis devant l’autel, entourés de leurs parents.
Le service est adapté pour les enfants, y compris les chants, l’homélie et la liturgie, pour les impliquer autant que possible, et dure 45 minutes (60 minutes avec l’arrivée et le retour des tapis).
Ensuite, les familles se réunissent pour une petite collation.
L’allaitement maternel est bienvenu, le changement de couches est possible, et il y a des toilettes et un ascenseur pour les poussettes dans la chapelle.
Les familles d’autres confessions chrétiennes sont les bienvenues, selon l’esprit œcuménique de la Chapelle (la célébration suit la liturgie catholique).
Les parents sont invités à se joindre à l’équipe des parents organisateurs, régulièrement ou occasionnellement, avec :
– musique pendant la messe (guitare, piano, chant ou autre)
– activité/animation basée sur l’évangile du dimanche (coloriage, collage, autre)
– fruits / collation santé après la messe
Pour plus d’information et si vous êtes intéressé, veuillez envoyer un courriel à P. Bernd Günther sj (bernd.guenther@chapelforeurope.eu).

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

St Martin-in-the-Fields Choral Music
2025-06-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
St Martin-in-the-Fields Choral Music at the Chapel for Europe
FAIRE IS THE HEAVEN
CHORAL MUSIC OF THE BRITISH ISLES
Join the Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields for this 45-minute programme of choral music, celebrating five centuries of the rich choral heritage of the British Isles. The programme features works ranging from the polyphony of Byrd and Tallis to the romanticism of Parry and Finzi, and the distinctive voices of Judith Weir and Lucy Walker.
Full programme:
Byrd Sing Joyfully – Parry My Soul there is a Country – Dering Indica Mihi – Finzi My Spirit Sang All Day –
Tallis If Ye Love Me – Walker O Nata Lux – Pearsall Lay a Garland – Weir Love Bad Me Welcome –
Parry There is an Old Belief – Byrd Rorate Caeli – Nils Greenhow Lord of All Hopefulness –
Walker Lord’s Prayer – Rodney-Bennet A Good Night – Harris FAIRE IS THE HEAVEN

FREE ENTRY. Donations are welcome/appreciated.
You are warmly invited to join us at a simple reception after the concert.
For more information: https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/ and https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/music-programme/choral-and-organ-scholarships/

Ecumenical Prayer Lunch
2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
In English / En anglais.
Welcome back to our Food for Soul: Ecumenical Thursday Prayer, followed by a simple lunch in the upper room of the Chapel.
This moment of prayer and sharing a meal amid a busy week is held on Thursdays from 13:00 to 14:00.
Join us if you work in or around the EU Institutions or other organizations in Brussels!
You are welcome to participate if you would like some time to pray, reflect, and share with others during your busy workweek also, if you are interested in spirituality from different Christian traditions.
This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to invite a colleague to (re)discover Jesus.
Representatives of the different Christian churches lead the Prayer:
04.09. by: Florian Gonzalez, Parish Pastor, Protestant Church Bruxelles-Botanique
11.09. by: Katja Baumann, Pastor, German Protestant Church
18.09. by: Sarah-Jane King, Reverend, Anglican Church St Martha and St Mary’s in Leuven
25.09. No Ecumenical Prayer Lunch. You are warmly invited to join the Ecumenical Prayer Opening 2025/2026, taking place at 19:00 at the Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlant 22-24, 1040 Etterbeek.

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.

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

Ecumenical Prayer Lunch
2025-10-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-23 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
In English / En anglais.
Welcome back to our Food for Soul: Ecumenical Thursday Prayer, followed by a simple lunch in the upper room of the Chapel.
This moment of prayer and sharing a meal amid a busy week is held on Thursdays from 13:00 to 14:00.
Join us if you work in or around the EU Institutions or other organizations in Brussels!
You are welcome to participate if you would like some time to pray, reflect, and share with others during your busy workweek also, if you are interested in spirituality from different Christian traditions.
This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to invite a colleague to (re)discover Jesus.
Representatives of the different Christian churches lead the Prayer:
02.10.by: Bernd Guenther SJ, Chapel for Europe
09.10. by: Johannes Reitze-Landau, Pastor, All Lutheran Church
16.10. by: Sarah-Jane King, Reverend, Anglican Church St Martha and St Mary’s in Leuven
23.10. by: Florian González, Parish Pastor, Protestant Church Bxls-Botanique
30.10. by: Jaakko Heinimäki, Pastor Benelux Finnish Seamen’s Mission
06.11. by: Katja Baumann, Pastor, German Protestant Church
13.11. by: Johannes Reitze-Landau, Pastor, All Lutheran Church
20.11. by: Sarah-Jane King from the Anglican Church St Martha and St Mary’s in Leuven
27.11. by: to be confirmed
04.12. by: Tina Blomquist, Parish Priest, Church of Sweden in Brussels
11.12. by: Bernd Guenther SJ, Chapel for Europe and Little Sisters
18.12. by: Johannes Reitze-Landau, Pastor, All Lutheran Church

Presentation of the Christian Life Community (CLC)
2025-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Thursday, October 2, 2025 – 7:00 pm
Chapel for Europe – Rue Van Maerlant 22-24, 1040 Brussels
Have you ever wished for a place where you can pause, reflect, and share your life in a meaningful way with others?
The Christian Life Community (CLC) offers just that: a space to listen, to be listened to, and to grow together in the light of the Gospel.
During this Open Evening, you will be welcomed into an experience of a typical CLC meeting. Through the Ignatian “three rounds” method, inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, you will discover how ordinary life events can become a place of encounter with God.
CLC is not simply a prayer group, a Bible study, or a theological discussion. It is a community of companionship and service — people supporting one another in discerning how to follow Christ in everyday life.
It is a place where faith, reflection, and action meet.
Whether you are curious about Ignatian spirituality, seeking a community to grow with, or simply looking for a moment of depth in a busy world, this evening is for you.
For further information or questions, contact Fr. Bernd Guenther at bernd.guenther@chapelforeurope.eu

EMBRACING SERENITY: A spiritual journey to overcome fear and uncertainty
2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by uncertainty?
In a world fraught with unpredictability and fear, it’s easy to feel lost and anxious. What if there is a way to tap into a deeper reservoir of peace, even amidst the chaos?

In this transformative conversation, we delve into the realm of spirituality and psychology, revealing how they can serve as a powerful tool to confront your fears and find solace, despite the uncertainties that surround us.

We invite you to a guided reflective gathering that blends psychology and spirituality to inspire new perspectives on fear, resilience, and peace. Ideal for those seeking clarity and understanding in uncertain times.

Ana Aizpún Martcillach will lead us into this experience. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in human relationships and existential issues.

Messe pour les enfants et leur familles / Children's mass with parents
2025-10-19 11:00 - 13:30 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
The service will be held mainly in French; some parts could be in English, depending on the participants.
Une célébration avec enfants de 0 à 6 ans et leurs familles.

Célébrant: P. Bernd Günther sj.
Notez les dates du deuxième semestre 2025: 19 octobre et 16 novembre.
La Messe s’adresse spécialement aux enfants de 0 à 6 ans, ils/elles restent sur le grand tapis devant l’autel, entourés de leurs parents.
Le service est adapté pour les enfants, y compris les chants, l’homélie et la liturgie, pour les impliquer autant que possible, et dure 45 minutes (60 minutes avec l’arrivée et le retour des tapis).
Ensuite, les familles se réunissent pour une petite collation.
L’allaitement maternel est bienvenu, le changement de couches est possible, et il y a des toilettes et un ascenseur pour les poussettes dans la chapelle.
Les familles d’autres confessions chrétiennes sont les bienvenues, selon l’esprit œcuménique de la Chapelle (la célébration suit la liturgie catholique).
Les parents sont invités à se joindre à l’équipe des parents organisateurs, régulièrement ou occasionnellement, avec :
– musique pendant la messe (guitare, piano, chant ou autre)
– activité/animation basée sur l’évangile du dimanche (coloriage, collage, autre)
– fruits / collation santé après la messe
Pour plus d’information et si vous êtes intéressé, veuillez envoyer un courriel à P. Bernd Günther sj (bernd.guenther@chapelforeurope.eu).

Ecumenical Prayer Lunch
2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Chapel for Europe, Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24, Brussels, Belgium
In English / En anglais.
Welcome back to our Food for Soul: Ecumenical Thursday Prayer, followed by a simple lunch in the upper room of the Chapel.
This moment of prayer and sharing a meal amid a busy week is held on Thursdays from 13:00 to 14:00.
Join us if you work in or around the EU Institutions or other organizations in Brussels!
You are welcome to participate if you would like some time to pray, reflect, and share with others during your busy workweek also, if you are interested in spirituality from different Christian traditions.
This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to invite a colleague to (re)discover Jesus.
Representatives of the different Christian churches lead the Prayer:
06.11. by: Katja Baumann, Pastor, German Protestant Church
13.11. by: Johannes Reitze-Landau, Pastor, All Lutheran Church
20.11. by: Sarah-Jane King from the Anglican Church St Martha and St Mary’s in Leuven
27.11. by: to be confirmed
04.12. by: Tina Blomquist, Parish Priest, Church of Sweden in Brussels
11.12. by: Bernd Guenther SJ, Chapel for Europe and Little Sisters
18.12. by: Johannes Reitze-Landau, Pastor, All Lutheran Church
