La Pairelle, the retreat house of the french-speaking Jesuits close to Namur was the place for the annual weekend retreat of the European Jesuit community which happened on May 29-31. All Jesuits working in the European works of the Society came together for the weekend. There was one full day of spiritual recollection reflecting and praying individually following the trias « mission – life – discerning community ».

This was followed by an intensive sharing of each member of the community on his life and mission. The Sunday morning brought an evaluation on our community life, the discussion and decisions about several practical points and a planning for the next year. It is rare that the whole community comes together for a longer period, so we enjoyed also the conviviality, having a nice outing in the evening into town and a good restaurant.

The weekend deepened the sense of belonging together, not only in the individual commitments but also the experience of our common mission for Europe and as a community.

The Jesuits assigned to the European Jesuit works in Brussels reside at the Saint Benedict Community.