The Chapel for Europe, located in the heart of Brussels, is an ecumenical place of prayer and encounter, offering a space for spiritual reflection, dialogue and Christian presence in the European capital. It brings together people from different Christian traditions and backgrounds, fostering unity and a shared commitment to the European project. On 6 October, the Chapel celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of welcoming visitors and contributing to the spiritual and ecumenical life of Brussels. We are pleased to share this article, brought to us by Bernd Günther, Director of the Chapel for Europe.

When, in the 1980s and 1990s, the European Union was reshaping an entire district of Brussels with its buildings and institutions, an initiative was launched by European leaders and the Jesuits to ensure that churches would also form an integral part of this new Europe. ‘Europe needs a soul,’ remarked Commission President Jacques Delors at the time. The small chapel, attached to a former convent, was already falling into disrepair. It was acquired and renovated at great expense. It was then consecrated in September 2001.

Twenty-five years on, we look back and look ahead. Jérôme Vignon, the Chapel’s first president, once again highlighted the founding vision. Fr Bernd Günther SJ, the Chapel’s current director, noted that the core principles of the Chapel’s mission have lost none of their significance: Engaging with Europe, spirituality and pastoral care for the Europeans in Brussels, and ecumenism have been key priorities since the very beginning; over the years, interfaith cooperation has been added to these. The future of the Chapel, of Europe and of the Churches will also be shaped by these challenges.

However, it was not the speeches that defined the evening, but the ecumenical prayer involving Protestant, Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox bishops and church leaders. Lively music, heartfelt prayers of thanksgiving and a great blessing for the future made the celebration a deeply moving occasion. Twenty-five flowers, brought by people from various groups and phases within the Chapel community, were woven together into a single colourful bouquet, bearing witness to the Chapel’s diversity and vitality. The evening brought together people from the Chapel’s early years with the young people who now attend its services and activities. A closing reception, filled with many encounters, seemed to go on forever.