In 1604, a beacon of knowledge ignited in Brussels. The Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege opened its doors, welcoming 400 eager students. This institution, named after the Belgian Jesuit Saint John Berchmans, has a rich history intertwined with the Society of Jesus. Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege wasn’t always at its current location. The original building met its demise in 1891, razed to make way for a road. The current Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege stands as a testament to the resilience of education.
The Jesuits, a driving force behind the college, faced their own trials. In 1773, Pope Clement XIV ordered them to cease educational activities. The Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege closed its doors. Its furniture, once gracing classrooms filled with lively discussions, was confiscated and sold. The building itself became a courthouse, then later housed the Belgian State Archives. The Jesuit spirit, however, was not so easily extinguished. They returned to Belgium in 1814. Nineteen years later, they established St Michael’s College in the Chapel Church area. The growing student population led them to expand and eventually establish a new St Michael’s College in Etterbeek in 1905. The original college on Rue des Ursulines was renamed Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege.
Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege stands as a symbol of continuity and adaptation. Starting in the 1930s, the college transitioned to teaching in Dutch and English. The French-speaking section moved to St Michael’s College. Today, both institutions thrive, each serving its respective linguistic community. Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege boasts an impressive alumni list. It includes royalty like Prince Amedeo and Princess Elisabeth, as well as influential figures in politics and the arts. From its early days in a bustling city center to its modern incarnation, the Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege has nurtured generations of thinkers and leaders. It continues to shape the future of Belgium, one student at a time.