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s2smodern

Piotr Marmuszewski is a Polish Jesuit who was sent to Brussels for his 2 year regency. He gives a personal testimonial of his life experience in the heart of Europe. 

Living in Brussels and working in the European schools and in the Chapel for Europe offers the opportunity to broaden the view of the world and of Christianity. For a Jesuit regent with no previous extensive contacts with people of different faiths and cultures, this perspective becomes truly broad.

The initial fears of lack of contacts and loneliness soon became nothing, and new international acquaintances and engagements filled much of the time. Mission at the chapel involves working with different Christian denominations and running groups for people seeking God and those wishing to have an intimate relationship with Him. Christians of different denominations praying together, learning from one another and sensitising their hearts to different approaches to the Creator is an indispensable part and great value of this experience. Initially it was a challenge to confront expectations about the number of people attending the prayer meetings. However, it quickly became apparent that although the numbers were not overwhelming, the quality and desire for God in those present have brought beautiful fruits of deepening faith, cooperation and new friendships.

Working at the school is a return to what is familiar and yet also new, because in a completely different context from the rural school in southern Poland. European schools are places where pupils from all EU countries, at least one of whose parents works in the European institutions, learn. In order to respect the cultural diversity of the pupils and at the same time enable them to relate to one another, there is a strong emphasis on language learning and mutual respect. Each school has language sections that allow pupils to communicate in their mother tongue, but over time more and more subjects are in other languages of the pupil's choice. The languages of administration are English and French so there is the greatest emphasis on them. European schools are known for their high standards of inclusivity and cultural and religious diversity, so pupils have the opportunity to choose courses that correspond to their chosen religious convictions. Teaching Catholic religion in secondary and primary schools, I can observe first-hand the increasing secularisation of pupils and their parents. Although the majority of pupils are baptised, only a few individuals are still practising. The task one necessarily faces is to convey to pupils Christian anthropology, the beauty of the Catholic faith and the immense mercy of a God who loves and seeks every person. A positive aspect of the teaching is the opportunity to observe the development of pupils who are able to be sincere, open and respectful towards every human being. It is also noteworthy that there are also pupils who get involved in the extracurricular activities of the MAGIS group, which has been opened to secondary school pupils who want to do something more for themselves and others. It is also very rewarding to be in contact with other teachers and to cooperate in organising trips and retreats for students and teachers.

Looking back on my year and a half in Brussels, I have to say that working for the people in the schools and the chapel has brought great satisfaction and a lot of joy. A positive aspect of this time and a great blessing has also been the collaboration with other Jesuits from the St Benedict's community. They are the ones who are supportive in the more difficult moments and provide help whenever needed.

On the horizon are the final months of the regency, which will be mostly filled with work with small groups of people who want to live in an intimate relationship with Christ. Work of a pastoral nature always requires some effort and stepping out of one's comfort zone, but in places like Brussels it is especially required and extremely rewarding. That is why I am already looking forward to more prayer meetings, retreats and all that the Lord has prepared for us for this final time here.

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s2smodern