For several Tuesdays in a row, the Forum Saint-Michel is experimenting with a contemplative walk in Brussels, an original initiative that its organizers would like to comment on. 

After various 4- or 5-week "Accompanied Prayers" (daily Ignatian prayer and weekly personal guidance), or contemplative mornings in our chapel during certain liturgical periods, the Forum Saint-Michel wanted to explore other paths. So, as this text is being written, we're in the midst of a 4-Tuesday cycle of "Praying in the streets, contemplating the city". 

And rest assured, despite the photo taken by one of the participants on the second evening, it's by no means a dead end for the shoes that set out on this adventure! Admittedly, the proposal may have come as a surprise: but aren't we going to pray in a church? In a quiet corner? In silence and near-immobility? No! It's a question of opening up to the way God can speak to us in any circumstance, and more particularly here by walking through and contemplating certain parts of the city. 

A dozen or so people meet at 6.30pm on Tuesdays in various locations (a room at Matteo Ricci College the first time, the chapel of the Poverello in the Rue Haute the next...). There, for half an hour, we place ourselves in the presence of the Lord, with the help of a biblical text, to receive some images that can be used during the evening (Moses' burning bush, Jonah in the whale...). 

Once ready, each person sets off for two hours in the surrounding area, wherever their footsteps take them, to walk, to rest, to open their eyes, ears, nose and heart to what comes to them. And there, walking, settling down, exchanging glances, words, etc.., places that may have seemed empty or cluttered, noisy or silent, provoking fear or peace, etc. suddenly become places that invite, challenge, let emerge something of this God we seek, this Father of mercy, this Spirit of love we long for...  

Around 9 p.m., we meet again at the place of departure for a time of exchange (4 or 5 people) on the experience, the journey made, the vivid memory that remains. Then, all together, we can share a few words with the Lord. 

Yes, the Lord can speak to us, open up to us and listen to what we dare to say! It is indeed in every place that he can touch us and challenge us in ever-new ways! 

Words from participants 

"It's a real gift to be able to walk through the city, through neighborhoods that I was afraid to approach at first sight... and where I felt safe!" 

"From one week to the next, in neighborhoods that aren't very far apart, there were real differences: over there, as if constantly moving from one culture to another in very limited areas, over here, a greater mixing of cultures and social categories. I felt different effects on myself, on my openness to what I was seeing. 

"The proximity of the railroad tracks creates a constant noise; at first distressing, it has become like the roll of a drum that invites or takes you somewhere... beyond... " 

Jean-Yves Grenet SJ (Bruxelles - Saint-Michel) and Caroline Vital (spiritual guide)