Climb the steps of the Church of the Resurrection with me. This is not just a church. It’s a story of faith, resilience, and transformation woven into the fabric of Brussels. The Church of the Resurrection began as the Chapelle du Saint-Sacrement de Miracle. It was built in the city center in 1455. Urban development forced its demolition to make way for Brussels-Central railway station.
Imagine the Order Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. They were expropriated but determined. They rebuilt a replica on Rue Van Maerlant. This new chapel was inaugurated on October 14, 1908. For years, it served as a place of worship and contemplation.
Time brings change. In 1974, the sisters made a difficult decision. They sold the convent. The main building now houses a library and visitor center for the European Commission. The chapel itself was sold to an international non-profit association. This group was formed by members of the EU institutions. Their mission was to preserve the chapel as a space for prayer.
Picture this: the late 1990s. The Church of the Resurrection is undergoing significant renovations. Donations poured in from various sources. These included the Catholic Episcopal Conferences of Europe, the Conference of European Churches, and the Society of Jesus. The King Baudouin Foundation also contributed. Many other institutions helped with the cause.
In 2001, the Church of the Resurrection was reborn. Archbishop Godfried Cardinal Daneels officially inaugurated the renovated church on September 25. It embraced its new name and ecumenical character.
The neo-Renaissance facade remains. However, the interior underwent a complete transformation by Marionex Architects. Today, the Church of the Resurrection has four stories. Visitors enter through a foyer on the ground floor. It serves as a meeting and exhibition space.
Descend into the basement. Here, you will find a crypt. It is reserved for silent prayer. The gold-plated cross is a work of sculptor Philippe Denis. Ascend to the first floor. The liturgical main room is accessible by stairs and a lift.
Look at the windows. The Viennese artist Thomas Reinhold designed them. They depict themes of Creation, Incarnation, the Burning Bush, and Pentecost. The main facade window represents the Resurrection. Nine Austrian regions financed the windows. The Schlierbach convent in Upper Austria produced them.
Notice the organ on the side gallery. Etienne Debaisieux’s workshop created it. The Evangelical Church in Germany gifted the instrument. Above, you would find a meeting hall and office rooms. However, these are not visible from outside.
The Church of the Resurrection is not a parish church. Its location near EU institutions gives it a unique purpose. It serves as a place for discussion, meeting, and prayer for those who work nearby. The chapel is open mostly on weekdays. It offers diverse liturgical events. These cater to various confessions, languages, and nationalities.
On the first and third Sundays, a Finnish Lutheran communion service takes place. A Catholic multilingual youth mass occurs in the evening. EU civil servants frequently use the chapel for weddings, baptisms, and memorial services.
The Church of the Resurrection is led by a pastoral team. They are religious and lay volunteers. Regular morning prayers are held on weekdays. Catholic, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox services are offered in multiple languages. English and French are the primary languages used. The Society of Jesus holds overall responsibility for the Chapel, together with the other Christian Churches that use the facilities.
As we leave the Church of the Resurrection, remember its journey. From a 15th-century chapel to a modern ecumenical center, it stands as a symbol of renewal and unity in the heart of Europe. It embodies ethical values inspired by the Gospel. It promotes solidarity and the search for the common good.