The Association Chapel for Europe

Created in 1998, the Chapel Van Maerlant (a non-profit making association) was named after the street in which the old building was situated. According to the first article of its statutes, the aim was to contribute to the pastoral and liturgical service of the European Catholic community, in the context of the mandate received by the Society of Jesus from the bishops in a spirit of ecumenical openness, and in that perspective, to return the chapel situated in rue Van Maerlant to its original purpose as a place of worship.

The statutes, modified in 2004 have changed the title of the association, which has become the non-profit making association "Chapel for Europe" and at the same time, have more clearly defined its objectives by specifying that it aims to "promote ecumenical cooperation and reality and to develop religious, social and cultural activities".

The association is run by the Administrative Board, which is assisted by an Ecumenical Consultative Council, both of which work closely with the Pastoral Team and with the pastoral leader, Ilsemarie Weiffen, a sister of the Sacred Heart.

Thus this place is a symbol of Christian spirituality at work in the heart of the European project, through the Christians involved in the many neighbouring institutions. The Chapel first went through a period of reorganisation, placing greater emphasis not only on its Catholicism but also its ecumenical nature. It is a matter of urgency for the construction of a reconciled Europe, after its long history darkened by national and religious divisions.

The organization of the Chapel of the Resurrection is also symbolic of this European construction. Indeed, the pastoral team with its variety of tasks, nationalities, ages and professions represents the different sectors of activity in the Chapel. A pastor of the Belgian Reform Church and an orthodox priest who teaches catechism at the European school also take part.

The composition of this team is significant. It demonstrates the desire for community action, achieved through dialogue, sharing, the acceptance of differences and mutual benefits.

Every weekday between 11a.m. and 3p.m., volunteers take it in turns to receive passers-by, tourists, those who wish to pray, the curious and local officials interested in the project. This team takes the life of the Chapel very much to heart and is made up of a divers, ecumenical group of people, both lay and ordained. Every six to eight weeks, there is a training day which allows the team to be brought together, discussing themes such as "listening" and "ecumenism"....

The life of the Chapel of the Resurrection is punctuated above all by daily prayer, except at weekends. It does not in fact have a parish but is a place of spiritual resource during the working week, for EU officials in particular. From the start, they wanted morning prayers open to all and this takes place between 8 and 8.30a.m., followed by breakfast. This time of daily Gospel reading and singing of Psalms allows prayers to be offered up not only for personal or professional problems but also of a political and worldwide nature.

The two other regular events are Mass on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1.15p.m. and prayers led by alternate Protestant pastors on Thursdays, at the same time. These celebrations are conducted in several languages, which enable people to open up not only towards each other, but also to different forms of expression and sensibilities.

Written intentions are read aloud during these services.


	The Association Chapel for Europe Created in 1998, the Chapel Van Maerlant (a non-profit making association) was named after the street in which the old building was situated. According to the first article of its statutes, the aim was to contribute to the pastoral and liturgical service of the European Catholic community, in the context of the mandate received by the Society of Jesus from the bishops in a spirit of ecumenical openness, and in that perspective, to return the chapel situated in rue Van Maerlant to its original purpose as a place of worship. The statutes, modified in 2004 have changed the title of the association, which has become the non-profit making association "Chapel for Europe" and at the same time, have more clearly defined its objectives by specifying that it aims to "promote ecumenical cooperation and reality and to develop religious, social and cultural activities". The association is run by the Administrative Board, which is assisted by an Ecumenical Consultative Council, both of which work closely with the Pastoral Team and with the pastoral leader, Ilsemarie Weiffen, a sister of the Sacred Heart. Thus this place is a symbol of Christian spirituality at work in the heart of the European project, through the Christians involved in the many neighbouring institutions. The Chapel first went through a period of reorganisation, placing greater emphasis not only on its Catholicism but also its ecumenical nature. It is a matter of urgency for the construction of a reconciled Europe, after its long history darkened by national and religious divisions. The organization of the Chapel of the Resurrection is also symbolic of this European construction. Indeed, the pastoral team with its variety of tasks, nationalities, ages and professions represents the different sectors of activity in the Chapel. A pastor of the Belgian Reform Church and an orthodox priest who teaches catechism at the European school also take part. The composition of this team is significant. It demonstrates the desire for community action, achieved through dialogue, sharing, the acceptance of differences and mutual benefits. Every weekday between 11a.m. and 3p.m., volunteers take it in turns to receive passers-by, tourists, those who wish to pray, the curious and local officials interested in the project. This team takes the life of the Chapel very much to heart and is made up of a divers, ecumenical group of people, both lay and ordained. Every six to eight weeks, there is a training day which allows the team to be brought together, discussing themes such as "listening" and "ecumenism".... The life of the Chapel of the Resurrection is punctuated above all by daily prayer, except at weekends. It does not in fact have a parish but is a place of spiritual resource during the working week, for EU officials in particular. From the start, they wanted morning prayers open to all and this takes place between 8 and 8.30a.m., followed by breakfast. This time of daily Gospel reading and singing of Psalms allows prayers to be offered up not only for personal or professional problems but also of a political and worldwide nature. The two other regular events are Mass on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1.15p.m. and prayers led by alternate Protestant pastors on Thursdays, at the same time. These celebrations are conducted in several languages, which enable people to open up not only towards each other, but also to different forms of expression and sensibilities. Written intentions are read aloud during these services.	Be at peace To know more ...