This spring in Belgium has been surprisingly sunny and warm — a perfect excuse to soak up some Vitamin D! It was under these bright skies that our St. Benedict Jesuit community set off from Brussels for our annual outing. While we usually aim for a mix of culture and relaxation, this year’s trip took on a more profound, reflective tone.

We decided to visit Ypres, one of Flanders' most beautiful and historic gems. Despite its charm today, the city is forever shaped by the tragedy of the First World War. The fields surrounding Ypres were once the site of fierce battles that claimed half a million lives. Many of those fallen have no known grave, only their names carved into stone.

Our group visited Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth cemetery, as well as the German cemetery at Langemark. It is impossible to stand in those places and not be moved by the sheer scale of lost youth. Naturally, our thoughts turned to the conflicts and victims of our world today, lending a moment of shared prayer and silence to our journey.

A particularly moving moment for our community was finding the name of Father Willie Doyle. He was an Irish Jesuit and military chaplain who lost his life while bravely rescuing a wounded soldier. It was special to honour him there, especially as his cause for beatification is currently underway.

We ended the day with a stroll through the lovely streets of Ypres, enjoying the brotherhood and connection that these trips always bring. The only thing missing was Gonzalo, who was away on an assignment abroad—we certainly felt his absence!

The Saint Benedict Community has been the home for Jesuits working in European works for the last 2 decades.