On September 25, 2022, the Jesuit Spiritual Centre La Pairelle, located near Namur in Belgium, celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Ignatian family from Belgium and Luxembourg gathered to celebrate together.

Nearly 400 people came to celebrate and express their gratitude and their deep attachment to La Pairelle.

This jubilee (which had been postponed due to Covid) was an opportunity to strengthen the bonds and the spirit of the Ignatian Family, and to thank the Lord for all He has given to hundreds of people during these 50 years.

A spiritual and joyful day

The day began with a Eucharist presided over by the Bishop of Namur, Pierre Warin. The homily was delivered by Fr. François Boëdec SJ, Provincial of French-speaking Western Europe. “May La Pairelle continue to be this haven of peace, to encounter our God. And may he give us the grace of renewal so that, if he so wishes, we can move forward with confidence towards the next 50 years! »

Fr. Nikolaas Sintobin SJ gave a talk about the relevance of Ignatian spirituality today, in relation to a reality TV show produced in Holland, in which Dutch celebrities experienced an eight-day retreat according to the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, in an abbey.

Throughout the day, participants were invited to (re)discover the Ignatian Family through numerous stands that brought together the Ignatian spirituality organisations –JRS Belgium, Forum Saint-Michel, Centre Avec, Jesuit editions, Unamur (University of Namur), La Viale community, Magis, Lumen Vitae, etc. There are many ways to be “Ignatian”!

Photo caption: Fr. Patrice Proulx SJ, La Pairelle’s new director, cut the birthday cake with three of his predecessors.