Located in the European quarter of Brussels, the Chapel for Europe has become a unique place of prayer, dialogue, hospitality, and encounter at the crossroads of cultures, languages, and institutions. In a city shaped by political decision-making and marked by constant international movement, the Chapel seeks to offer a spiritual home open to Europeans from many backgrounds, as well as to all those searching for meaning, silence, and community. Entrusted to the Society of Jesus, its mission reflects an Ignatian vision of accompaniment, reconciliation, and service in the public sphere. In this context, we spoke with Bernd Günther SJ, director of the Chapel for Europe and superior of Saint Benedict Community, the residence of the European Jesuits in Brussels. He reflects on the mission of the Chapel in today’s European context, the challenges of building Christian community in an international environment, and the importance of creating spaces where spirituality, culture, and dialogue can meet. 1 – To begin, could you tell us a bit about your personal background and your journey into the Society of Jesus, and eventually to Brussels? I am Bernd Günther sj, a German Jesuit. And I am since 2023 in Brussels at the Chapel for Europe. I have served in different ways as a Jesuit. After my regency in the youth apostolate I got my first mission as priest working for refugees. In the 90s we were just building up the first German office of the JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) in Berlin. After my tertianship in Chile I joined the mission office in Nürnberg. We had the contact and did the fundraising for Jesuit projects worldwide, especially in Africa and Asia. Later the provincial asked me to become his socius. But finally I was happy to get out of more administrative jobs into a pastoral assignment. I was for 10 years in charge of the Jesuit parish St. Ignatius in Frankfurt and I loved it. These quite divers experiences made me curious to accept the mission to Brussels to the Chapel for Europe.  2 – Many of our readers may not be familiar with the concept of the Chapel for Europe or with its role within Brussels’ pastoral, political, and cultural landscape. How would you describe its mission today? The Chapel is a small church in the middle of the European Quarter in Brussels. It is a visible sign of the presence of Christian faith in this Europe of today, not only as a historical root, but as a living community of believers. It is a place of prayer and sharing, of reflection and dialogue. Its mission is the pastoral and spiritual care for those European who are living and working in the offices around the Chapel. A general reflection of the values and perspectives of the European Union encourages in difficult times.  “Europe needs a soul”, this word of former EU commission president Jacques Delors is an inspiration for the Chapel. And at the Chapel this goes always in an ecumenical cooperation and by promoting interreligious dialogue.  3 – The Chapel for Europe is, ultimately, an apostolic work of the Archdiocese of Brussels-Malines. How do you see the Jesuit identity of the Chapel and how does it play out in this experience of collaboration with the diocesan church in Brussels? The Chapel is an initiative of lay people and the Jesuits. It was founded 25 years ago when high ranking civil servants together with Belgian Jesuits and Belgian lay persons put everything into motion to save a small, already existing but derelict Chapel and to transform it into a vibrant place of worship, reflection and dialogue within the newly restructures European Quarters of Brussels. Until today the Chapel is an ecclesial association of lay people together with the Jesuits. The archdiocese is very cooperative and considers it part of their pastoral presence towards the big European community in Brussels. 4 – The Chapel for Europe had a very clear ecumenical purpose from its very beginning. Tell us something more about this essential ecumenical feature of the Chapel and how Ignatian spirituality can contribute to it. If we are working for a united Europe here in Brussels, the churches have to work on their own unity. Catholic, protestant, anglican , orthodox , evangelical churches from all over Europe have their representation and communities in Brussels. The Chapel for Europe is a place where many can come together. Every week we have an ecumenical Prayer Lunch with prayers from different denominations. Cooperating has become a normality. The main goal is to be a common visible Christian presence and to inspire the many Europeans here to live and work according to their faith. 5 – In the apostolic ecosystem of the Society of Jesus in Brussels, particularly with those working in European institutions, the Chapel is clearly a purely pastoral work oriented toward explicit evangelization. It is, in this sense, the complement to other works like JESC (Jesuit European Social Centre) or JRS Europe. How do you experience the contribution of explicit evangelization – direct preaching of the Gospel – to the construction of Europe and the mission of the Society in Europe? In the last years we were able to reach out to the generation of the young European professionals. These are mostly those who are already Christians, but are searching how to live it in an environment where faith is no longer a normality and not necessarily welcome. We have built up a small community around a Sunday evening mass and other events for a mutual support. Through an Alpha course we reach out to those that are not yet sure about their faith. Also we have from time to time a preparation for an adult baptism. The retreat in daily life helps to develop in greater depth the personal spiritual life. We hope that also in the next generation there will a good group of Christians to continue to bring the Gospel and its values into the Europe of tomorrow. 6 – In the Chapel, you are very much  in contact with many public servants in the European Union and people working closely within that important political milieu. You should be, thus, particularly well aware of the socio-political situation in Europe. Europe is experiencing many tensions and uncertainties, from political polarization to questions surrounding identity, solidarity, and the future of the European project. How do you interpret the present situation, and how can places like the Chapel contribute constructively in such a context? In the first place I become aware of the “hopes and joys, sorrows and fears” of the Europeans working here in Brussels. The last years have been quite challenging. Many have a much bigger work load today. War and peace, a newly difficult transatlantic relationship, the Green Deal, the stronger presence of the far right, artificial intelligence,… many big topics are to be dealt with. I admire the many civil servants who are, despite the problems, committed to the project of European unity and its values. At the Chapel we try to encourage them spiritually, and through reflection on the Christian basics of a united Europe. 7 – You have now been director of the Chapel for Europe for almost three years. Looking back on this experience, what would you describe as your greatest consolations and your greatest desolations? I am still very much impressed by the way how people of so many different cultures and backgrounds come together to work for a common good that is beyond the interests of certain groups or nations. The biggest problem at the Chapel is at the moment the financial situation. We are mainly depending on donations. Although we have many faithful friends and donors, we still have to struggle to keep up. We are grateful for all support. 8 – Finally, what message would you like to share with the many people living and working in the so-called “EU Bubble” in Brussels? (1 sentence) Not only for those in the EU-bubble: It is worth working towards a united Europe that stands up for peace and freedom, human dignity, justice and our shared home. May God help us through his Spirit to bring us more together and to keep us united.  

On October 30th, the Chapel for Europe, directed by Bernd Günther SJ, was filled to capacity, as more than 120 EU interns and trainees gathered for an inspiring talk with Ms. Hilde Hardeman, Director-General of the Publications Office of the European Union. In a conversation marked by honesty and warmth, Ms. Hardeman shared insights from her impressive career in the European institutions, reflecting on the values that have guided her path. She offered concrete advice and thoughtful encouragement to young professionals beginning their journey within the EU, highlighting the importance of the European spirit of service and the commitment to work for the common good. The evening concluded with lively discussions, networking opportunities, and the chance to meet Mr. Clemens Ladenburger, Deputy Director-General at the European Commission, together with the Chapel for Europe team. The Chapel for Europe, located in Brussels, is an ecumenical initiative supported by different Christian traditions and religious orders. Founded in 2001, it seeks to be a place of prayer, reflection, and dialogue at the heart of the European institutions. The Chapel welcomes people of all faith backgrounds who live and work in Brussels—especially those engaged in European affairs—and offers a space where spirituality, culture, and politics can meet in a spirit of openness, peace, and unity. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Ms. Hardeman for her generous participation and to Mr. Ladenburger for his support in making this enriching event possible.

On the evening of 25 September 2025, the Chapel for Europe, directed by Bernd Günther SJ, gathered with its ecumenical friends to celebrate the Ecumenical Opening Prayer, marking the start of a new social year. The evening was both prayerful and joyful, as participants from different Christian traditions came together in a spirit of fraternity and common faith. This year, the celebration was inspired by the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, whose reflection on the Trinity continues to unite and challenge Christians today. In this spirit, the community prayed together for a world of peace—entrusting to God the many situations of conflict, division, and suffering that weigh heavily on our societies. The prayers, hymns, and silence created a moment of shared hope and renewed commitment to Christian unity. The Opening Prayer also served as a symbolic new beginning for the Chapel’s activities, offering a space for ecumenical encounter and reflection in the heart of Brussels. The gathering reaffirmed the Chapel’s mission to foster dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration among churches, and to connect faith with the pressing challenges of our times. The Chapel for Europe, located in Brussels, is an ecumenical initiative supported by different Christian traditions and religious orders. Founded in 2001, it seeks to be a place of prayer, reflection, and dialogue at the heart of the European institutions. The Chapel welcomes people of all faith backgrounds who live and work in Brussels—especially those engaged in European affairs—and offers a space where spirituality, culture, and politics can meet in a spirit of openness, peace, and unity. The Chapel for Europe extends their heartfelt thanks to all who joined for this celebration and look forward to walking together during the coming year.

Brussels, 24 June 2025 — On this day, JRS Europe had the privilege of joining civil society actors, faith-based organizations, and frontline workers at the Voices of Hope event – a powerful gathering that amplified the lived experiences and aspirations of migrants and refugees in Europe. Hosted in Brussels, the event spotlighted inspiring initiatives supporting the integration and empowerment of displaced people, especially women and children. The event opened with a deeply personal reflection from Raymond A. Parcon, representing JRS Europe. He spoke not only as a member of JRS but also as someone who has lived the journey of migration firsthand. His words underscored the shared humanity that binds us all and the vital role of accompaniment in JRS’s mission. The Mariama Project: Empowering Young Women on the Margins Sr. Marie Vaillant, FMA, from the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco Ganshoren, presented the Mariama Project – a shining example of compassionate and targeted support for young migrant women. Aimed at girls aged 17 to 21, the project responds to the alarming vulnerabilities faced by migrant minors, particularly those at risk of modern-day slavery, exploitation, and social exclusion. Through six dedicated places in the Ganshoren boarding school, young women are provided not just shelter, but holistic care – including psychosocial support from the Umoya collective, educational guidance, and pathways toward work or further study. Sr. Vaillant highlighted the strength and courage of the girls in the program and called for greater attention to gender-specific migration challenges. The School of Peace: Building Bridges Through Education Mr. Natan Phuati Nzita, from the Community of Sant’Egidio, shared the impact of their School of Peace Project, which offers free, non-formal education to children, many of whom come from migrant or disadvantaged backgrounds. With warmth and conviction, Nzita described how the initiative fosters a culture of peace, where friendship, respect, and intercultural exchange flourish. In a time when children are often the most affected by forced migration, the School of Peace becomes a vital sanctuary. Language support, cultural engagement, and after-school tutoring help migrant children find a sense of belonging while improving their academic and social skills. The Livelihood Project: Restoring Dignity and Confidence Mr. Vincenzo Chiaiese, also from JRS Europe, closed the presentations with insights from JRS’s Livelihood Project, which supports socio-economic inclusion for refugees and migrants across Europe. Drawing from the latest regional report, Chiaiese highlighted best practices and shared stories of resilience and innovation from diverse local contexts. By centering the voices of those directly affected and promoting community-driven solutions, the Livelihood Project reinforces the importance of empowerment through meaningful work and education.  

On Thursday, May 15th, the Chapel for Europe hosted a special time of prayer organized by Together4Europe: 75 Years of the Schuman Declaration, a prayer to thank and renew the Spirit of European Unity. On 9 May 1950, the Schuman Declaration was proclaimed. This historic step laid the foundation for the European unification process—a vision of cooperation over conflict, and shared destiny over division. During the prayer, we gave thanks for 75 years of peace and fraternity and lifted intercessions for the future of Europe and the world. We were reminded that building the Europe we dream of requires daily commitment from all of us, the people of Europe. As Christians, our call is to walk together, even when it’s difficult—through perseverance, patience, and hope. Europe Day reminded us that our shared faith and values can still bear fruit in harmony, respect for differences, and fraternity. May this anniversary inspire us to renew our commitment to unity and peace in Europe.

The 14th and 15th of January 2025 marked a significant milestone for ‘Our Daily Bread’, with the network’s first-ever summit being held and the initiative officially launched in Brussels. The events started with an internal summit at the Maison Notre-Dame du Chant-d’Oiseau, a conference centre on the grounds of a Franciscan Friary in Brussels, where eleven participants in person (with additional online participants at various stages) represented nine different organisations. Our Daily Bread is an ecumenical network of faith-based organisations (FBOs) that work on the subject of agriculture and food systems. After a JESC’s 2023 report recognised that over 150 FBOs were working on this topic in the European Union, a group of organisations came together informally to discern the creation of an advocacy network. This discernment culminated in a manifesto and the aim to launch this network in January 2025. The summit began with a closed session where members of ODB discussed a plan for 2025, which included a campaign in Lent, a report to be released on diets, and where we can contribute in upcoming EU policy debates. 2025 is a big year for food policy in the EU as the debate for the next multiannual financial framework and Common Agricultural Policy begin. This was followed by a public event in The Chapel for Europe titled ‘Christian Vision for Sustainable Food Systems’, which officially launched this network. The highlight of this event was a panel discussion with former MEP and adviser to Ursula von der Leyen, Philippe Lamberts, and economist and theologian, Gaël Giraud SJ. The debate highlighted the importance of the role European Institutions can play in securing a fair and sustainable food system for Europeans. Both speakers emphasised that the Christian vision of hope must not be forgotten when advocating for a sustainable food system and that our network can act as an agent of this hope. The launch marked only the beginning for Our Daily Bread, and you are invited to keep up to date with this initiative through our website and social media platforms.