The European Schools are a network of educational institutions established to provide multilingual and multicultural education, primarily for the children of staff working in the European institutions. Bringing together pupils from different nationalities, languages and cultural backgrounds, they seek to foster a shared European identity while respecting the diversity of their communities. The Society of Jesus has been involved in coordinating Catholic religious education in the European Schools since 1962, following a request from the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels. Today, this mission is carried out by the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) with the coordination of Ms. Annie Thumelaire. She accompanies and coordinates the teaching of Catholic religion across the schools. On 3 October 2026, students, parents, teachers and members of the educational communities of the Brussels European Schools gathered at the Chapel of Collège Saint-Michel for their annual opening Mass. Presided over by Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, the celebration brought together the community in a spirit of joy, simplicity and care for Creation. The following article was brought to us by Annie Thumelaire.

A new school year marked by joy, simplicity and care for Creation

Since 1962, at the request of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, the Society of Jesus has accompanied and coordinated Catholic religious education in the European Schools. Today, this mission is entrusted to the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) and forms part of a long tradition of presence and service to young people. Through education and the transmission of faith, it allows us to contribute to the formation of young people who will be called upon to play a role in shaping Europe's future.

It was in this spirit that, on Saturday, 3 October, students, parents, teachers and members of the educational communities of the Brussels European Schools gathered at the chapel of Collège Saint-Michel to celebrate the opening Mass for the new school year of Catholic religious education. It was a wonderful moment of encounter and communion, allowing everyone to begin the new academic year by placing at the heart of their mission what brings them together: faith, fraternity and the desire to grow together.

This year, we were delighted to welcome His Excellency Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, who presided over the celebration. His presence among us was a precious sign of our communion with the Holy Father and the universal Church. Through his mission as the Pope's representative, Archbishop Auza made tangible the universal Church's closeness to the European Schools and to everyone working within them.

He was joined by several Jesuit priests who concelebrated the Eucharist: Fr Gonzalo Villagrán, Socius to the President of the Conference of European Jesuit Provincials; Fr Bernd Günther, Director of the Chapel for Europe; Fr Franck Janin, Superior of the Saint-Michel Community; and Fr Tommy Scholtès, Rector of Saint John Berchmans Church, the magnificent church that welcomes us each year for our opening Mass.

Learning from St Francis

The celebration was held under the inspiration of St Francis of Assisi, whose 800th anniversary of death is commemorated this year.

In his homily, Archbishop Auza invited everyone to welcome the new school year with a simple and trusting heart, following the example of the "little ones" mentioned in the Gospel. He also recalled how St Francis teaches us to look upon Creation with wonder and to care for our "common home".

Referring also to Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si', Archbishop Auza emphasised how the example of St Francis continues to challenge us: caring for Creation is inseparable from caring for the most vulnerable, seeking peace and recognising our responsibility towards one another.

Beginning the school year with the Eucharist, he reminded us, means turning towards the One who accompanies us and gives us true joy. This joy does not depend solely on our successes, results or achievements, but springs from our relationship with the Lord.

It was a particularly beautiful way to begin the new school year: learning to give thanks, welcome joy and recognise the gifts entrusted to us.

When a young voice becomes a prayer: a moving testimony of trust

One of the most memorable moments of the celebration was undoubtedly the performance of the song "Oceans" by a young S7 student.

Before singing, she explained that she wanted to offer the song as an expression of gratitude to God for the way He had accompanied and supported her through some particularly painful experiences she had recently faced.

In the silence of the chapel, her voice became a genuine prayer. It was a simple yet deeply moving testimony of trust and hope, touching everyone in a very personal way.

Through her voice, an entire generation of young people was also able to express its trust, vulnerabilities and hopes.

Students' prayers come to life

The chapel itself reflected the students' active participation. It had been decorated with drawings, crafts and creative works made by the young people during their religious education classes, inspired by their prayers and personal intentions.

Displayed throughout the celebration space, these creations gave a visible presence to the students' voices and reminded everyone that this Mass was truly their celebration: that of an entire community coming together at the beginning of a new school year.

A celebration reflecting the diversity of Europe

The diversity of the European Schools was expressed throughout the celebration through the different languages, readings, songs and active participation of the students.

This multilingual and intercultural dimension gave the Eucharist a very special character. It reminded us that our differences are not an obstacle to unity; on the contrary, they can become a source of richness when embraced through a shared desire for encounter and communion.

A community united in joy

A special activity was organised for the youngest children, allowing them to experience this celebration centred on St Francis and Creation in an age-appropriate way.

After the Mass, parents, students, teachers and friends gathered for refreshments and fellowship. It was a simple and welcoming opportunity to extend the joy of the celebration and begin the new school year together.

May this school year be marked by joy, simplicity and care for Creation. And may we, following the example of St Francis, learn ever more deeply to give thanks for the wonders around us and to care for one another.