When my novice director asked me about a possible destination for the pastoral experiment, I suggested to go to Brussels.

The apostolate in Brussels for novices and regents is basically twofold: Testimonies of the faith at the catholic religion classes in the four European schools and work in the ecumenical “Chapel for Europe” in the heart of the European quarter. Both suited me and seemed to fit in to my personal journey with Christ.

I am 27 years old and I was born in Osnabrück in north-western Germany. Before entering novitiate, I studied history, English and philosophy to become a teacher. I saw going to the European schools to speak with students about my personal journey in the religious life as a good occasion to see whether teaching was still something that suits me.  I felt also drawn to Brussels by the large international community and the linguistic and the cultural diversity in the city, alongside the opportunity to improve my French.

At the beginning, I had no idea what to expect in the schools. Right before the first class, I asked the teacher what to say, as I had not prepared anything, and she said in reply: “Just talk to them!”, which is what I then did. I usually only explained briefly what the Jesuits are and what a novice is and then let the students ask whatever they wanted to know. Although the setting was always quite similar, each testimony was a new encounter which created an open space for the Spirit to work in. I was overwhelmed by the openness with which the students and the teachers met me and I found it to be especially joyful to share the faith with others.

At the Chapel for Europe, directed by Fr. Bernd Günther SJ, I helped to organise the events which took place. Especially fruitful for me was the preparation of a “Retreat in Daily life” for this Lenten time. But I also surprisingly found the Lord in the small practical tasks for the maintenance of the Chapel.

I was blessed to also get to know the Spanish speaking Catholic community ministered to by Fr. Alberto Ares SJ and other Christians from various backgrounds, all working to proclaim the Good News in Brussels. Thus, the Catholicity of our faith became especially palpable during my time here, making me truly feel part of a worldwide community.

I did the testimonies in the schools in English, German and French. The French was really challenging, but I learned that true communication which really addresses the other and creates a “resonance” (Hartmut Rosa) instead of merely focusing on personal achievement is the key to success here. The words of our Lord that “whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it” (Lk 17,33) are also true when it comes to languages.

I also greatly enjoyed visiting the different Churches and old Abbeys in Brussels for prayer and to connect to the history of our faith in this place, which, albeit in an increasing minority situation, lasts until today.

I travel back to Innsbruck with a rucksack full of rich experiences which still needs to be unpacked and I am deeply grateful to God for the time in Brussels.