Parents, students, and teachers from the European Schools of Brussels gathered on Saturday, 4 October, for the Back-to-School Mass at the Chapel of Collège Saint-Michel. The event marked the opening of the 2025–2026 academic year under the theme of gratitude and praise for Creation. Presiding over the celebration was Archbishop Luc Terlinden, joined by Jesuit Fathers Dalibor Renić, Gonzalo Villagrán, Bernd Günther, and Franck Janin. The responsibility for Catholic religious education in the European Schools in Brussels was entrusted to the Society of Jesus and it is under the care of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels and COMECE. Jesuits are engaged in providing continuous spiritual and pedagogical Ignatian formation to the teachers and collaborate in pastoral activities with students. There are about 50 teachers of religion, teaching in 21 different languages. The coordinator of this work is Annie Thumelaire.

A Celebration in the Spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi

The date coincided with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose life and message inspired the tone of the celebration. Saint Francis invites us to live with gratitude and wonder before the world entrusted to us by God — and this Mass beautifully reflected that spirit.

In his homily, Archbishop Terlinden encouraged the community to begin the new school year “in the manner of Francis, like a little one who allows himself to be touched by the gentle and humble love of Jesus on the cross.”
He reminded the assembly that this love — “not necessarily the one understood by the wise and learned, but the one that reaches simple and open hearts” — is what truly transforms our lives. Reflecting on Saint Francis, he spoke of how “the young man who once dreamed of glory and heroic deeds became a new creation, clothing his heart with gentleness and humility.”

The Archbishop invited everyone to live this new academic year in the joy of the Beatitudes, the paradoxical joy that flows from the Gospel: “To take Christ’s yoke upon us is not to flee from difficulties, but to walk in peace with the One who refuses to impose His power and who lives out the Beatitudes.”

A Multilingual and Creative Celebration

In true European spirit, the celebration brought together the many languages and cultures that make up the community of the European Schools.
Readings and hymns were presented in several languages by student and teacher choirs, reflecting the diversity and unity that define the schools’ spiritual life.

The chapel was decorated with prayers and intentions prepared by students during religion classes, expressing gratitude for the beauty of nature and the gift of life.
Meanwhile, the youngest participants (under 7 years old) enjoyed a special children’s catechesis, discovering Saint Francis’s message through storytelling and hands-on activities.

A Warm and Joyful Gathering

After Mass, everyone gathered around a generous buffet, sharing a joyful moment of fellowship. Parents, students, and teachers enjoyed reconnecting and celebrating together the start of a new year filled with praise, respect, and joy for Creation.

This event was made possible thanks to the collaboration between religion teachers, students, parents, and clergy, who together created an atmosphere of deep faith and community spirit — a moment to remember for all who attended.