Chapel for Europe
Chapelle de la Résurrection
(Chapel of the Resurrection)

14 Tishri, 5762
October 1, 2001

01.10.2001

Chapel for Europe opens in Brussels

On Tuesday, a chapel in the heart of the European Quarter of Brussels was reopened after 20 years as a "Chapel for Europe". It is hoped that the chapel, renamed as Chapelle de la Résurrection (Chapel of the Resurrection), will act as "a crucible of hope and unity" in the future integration of the EU. Robert Schuman, widely credited as one of the founding fathers of the EU, once said: "Europe cannot remain economic and technical: it needs a soul." It is expected that this new "Chapel for Europe" will provide the level of spirituality that Mr Schuman was talking about.

Brother Roger of Taizé, a well-respected member of the Catholic church, expressed his support for the "Chapel for Europe" and the European project. "If we want to build a Europe which is peaceful, reconciled and which shows solidarity with other continents, work should first start within each of us."

Jerôme Vignon, who is president of the association and closely involved in the Commission white paper on EU governance, also spoke at the inauguration ceremony. "A place of silence, of prayer and communion, the chapel will not be cut off from the world which surrounds it," he said. "It will also be a place of exchange, of dialogue and of sharing for all those engaged in the construction of Europe."

Vaclav Havel, president of the Czech Republic, also attended the ceremony. "The events of this day symbolise our common hope that the Europe of the 21st century will not forget its heart, but will be able to develop in an innovative way," said President Haval.

Although the Chapelle de la Résurrection is a Catholic church, a spokesperson for the organisation was keen to stress the ecumenical nature of the initiative. The services during Tuesday's inauguration ceremony were conducted by representatives of the Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic Churches. Also attending the services were members of the Jewish and Islamic communities. "The need for this ecumenical openness is particularly perceived in the present circumstances," a spokesperson for the chapel told the EUobserver.com, referring to the recent events surrounding the 11 September terrorism attacks on the US.

However, the spokesperson did concede that, from the religious standpoint, the project is a "Christian temple", and the involvement of non-Christian religions would be limited. "One does not contemplate the possibility of services by non-Christian religions," said the spokesperson. "But at the same time the chapel is an ecumenical venture and completely open. We will organise social, cultural, educational activities which will be open to all faiths."

Europe is more-and-more becoming a multi-cultural and multi-religious society. It is estimated that there are some 20 million non-Christians living in the EU. If Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country, joins the EU, a further 60 million could be added to this total.

The construction of the "Church for Europe" cost 1.5 million euros, 0.625 million to purchase the chapel and 0.875 million to pay for its restoration. The majority of this money (65 per cent) came from Christian institutions, with 28 per cent coming from the public and private institutions and 7 per cent from private individuals. The European institutions have not provided any money for the project.

Written by Blake Evans-Pritchard
Edited by Lisbeth Kirk

Website [Chapelle de la Résurrection] (http://www.multimania.com/resurrectio/EN/Start_En.htm)

http://euobserver.com/index.phtml?selected_topic=9&action=view&article_id=3634

From: Chapelle de la Résurrection website

A chapel for Europe

We hope that there will exist for generations to come a Chapel of Europe, a visible sign of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That it will be the Presence of God in the centre of the stories of people's lives, to which it will give sense and to which it promises success. That by its architecture, distinct from the more recent buildings in the surroundings, it will symbolise the permanence of human effort and the relativity of their achievements. That in this area of European administration, where political commitments are developed, this chapel will serve as a crucible of hope and unity. The political activity will keep religion from the temptations of fanaticism and fundamentalism while religion will keep politics from idolising the economic or the social by keeping it at the service of the rights of every person linked to the call of God. It is He who creates and saves every person and the universe. That this chapel becomes a place where everyone is welcomed as eternal and unique. A place where everyone can be forgiven. A place where heroism, sanctity and the faults of European history can be recognised in truth. A place where the search for European reconciliation and unity can call the Christian denominations to conversion and mutual recognition.

WHO ARE WE?

The international Association Chapelle Van Maerlant is animated by a group of Christians engaged at different levels in building Europe.

The administration Council, in agreement with the ecumenical counseling Council has given to the Chapel, rededicated "Chapel of the Resurrection", its original purpose of place of prayer and worship. Today the Administrative Council wishes to develop cultural and charity activities.

By living Christian lives and praying, by their ecumenical engagement, the participants in this project wish to contribute personally to the European Union Ideal.

Composition of the Administration Council (1st September 2001)

President :
Mr Jérôme Vignon, Chief adviser in the Secretariat-General of the European Commission - White Paper on governance.

Vice-President :
Mr Antoine de Salins, financial counsellor (Brussels).

Treasurer :
Mr Philippe Duvieusart, financial consultant (Brussels).

The Œcumenical Council

In accordance with Art. 11 of the statutes of the Association, the Catholic roots of the project Chapel Van Maerlant are based from the very beginning on a Christian ecumenical perspective, assuming broad and sincere co-operation. It is there that a genuine European experience can lead to a stronger integration. It is the particular task of this Council to watch that this place offers a truly ecumenical welcome to those who wish to gather there, to meet a Christian interlocutor of their choice, to celebrate a religious liturgy according to the rite of their church or an interdenominational ecumenical service, or organise other activities in accordance with the mission of this building.

Composition of the œcumenical council (1st September 2001)

AN ECUMMENICAL WELCOME
(By Jérôme Vignon, President of the association Chapelle Van Maerlant)

A place of silence, of prayer and of communion.

"The Chapel of the Resurrection, Van Maerlant Street, will be open to all who work, live or pass through this quarter, which is dominated by the presence of the European Union institutions. This hospitality will be offered in a spirit of ecumenism with concern to avoid all factors of division. It will demonstrate the possibility of unity between very different people, and of a creative reconciliation rooted in the Resurrection of Christ. A place of silence, of prayer and communion, the chapel will not be cut off from the world which surrounds it. It will also be a place of exchange, of dialogue and of sharing for all those engaged in the construction of Europe. It will be a place of beauty and art. The ecumenism practised in this chapel - the fruit of a Catholic initiative - will not be formal. It will not consist of a juxtaposition of religions, but will reveal itself through the search for communion that will inspire all its activities, from welcoming, prayer and singing to educational, charitable and cultural activities, as much as through its architecture, its decor and its position."

Brussels, Easter 2000
Jérôme Vignon, President

A POTTED HISTORY

Since the end of the year 2000, in the heart of the European quarter of Brussels, a chapel serves as a sign of peace and reconciliation. Between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, a few steps from the buildings of the European Commission, a building in red brick stands out in a large open space; a former convent, beside which is a small white stone chapel in the baroque style. The religious who owned it became too old and decided in 1989 to sell all the buildings, including the little chapel. A large property developer undertook the restoration, agreeing to sell the small chapel separately to an international association registered in Belgium (AISBL), the members of which include European civil servants and others involved at different levels in the construction of Europe. Many private individuals, as well as the Belgian Jesuit Provinces, the Catholic European Centre, the Communion of the Viale-Opstal, European Catholic Bishops' Conferences, several Protestant Churches, the King Baudouin Foundation, the Belgian National Lottery, the company Suez-Lyonnaise des Eaux, and others have already contributed to purchasing the building and to financing the interior restoration.

Extract of the statutes published in the Belgian Monitor 30.10.97

International non-profitable Association Van Maerlant Chapel Headquarters in 1040 Brussels. Registration number 17927/97.

Article 1.
It is constituted an international association with a spiritual and religious goal name "International non-profitable Association Van Maerlant Chapel", abridged "AISBL Chapelle Van Maerlant".

Article 3.
The Association, which is devoid of any spirit of profit, has for its goal to contribute to the pastoral and liturgical service of the Catholic community among Europeans in the framework of the mandate received from the bishops by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in a spirit of ecumenical opening. In this perspective, the Association wants notably to return to religious use the chapel situated on Van Maerlant Street in Brussels, according to its initial purpose.

Article 4.
The Association is composed of :

CARDINAL JEAN-MARIE LUSTIGER'S OPENING MESSAGE (French version)

La transciption de ce message d'ouverture a été réalisée (25 pages de texte !), et une synthèse, avec quelques extraits, sera prochainement disponible sur le site. A bientôt...

As of October 1, 2001: This speech is not available yet.

To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - False Prophet?
Date: Wed, 6 May 1998

Hello everyone,

I submitted the following around January of this year to another list and thought to repost it here seeing we just saw a news item about the pope and his overtures to the Jews.

---start---

Last week I was watching an A&E presentation on who was a candidate for the next pope. The following is a list that they gave (some of the spelling is off because their names weren't put up on the screen)

"Vatican hails pact with Israel, seeks guarantees on Jersualem Copyright 1997 by Agence France-Presse / Mon, 10 Nov 1997 7:35:46 PST

"VATICAN CITY, Nov 10 (AFP) - The Vatican on Monday hailed an accord with Israel granting the Roman Catholic Church legal status in the Holy Land, but said it still wanted guarantees to protect religious assets in Jerusalem."

"Israel's occupation and annexation of east Jerusalem in 1967 has never been recognized by the Vatican."

"'This is the first time that the legal status of the Roman Catholic Church has been recognized in the Holy Land for 500 years, a foreign ministry spokesman said."

"Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro Valls confirmed Monday that the Church position remained that sovereignty over the Holy City can only be legitimately exercised by a power or powers with 'a special statute under international guarantee.'

"Monday's agreement, negotiated nearly 18 months ago but only approved by the Israeli government in September, follows up on the "Fundamental Agreement" reached between Israel and the Vatican in December 1993 which led to the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in June 1994."

"VATICAN TO LIGHT HANUKKIYAH: The Vatican will light a Hanukkah menorah next week for the first time in history during a ceremony in the Vatican Gardens, Yediot Aharonot reported. According to Catholic leaders, they will light the menorah in honor of Israel's 50th anniversary."

"...there are those who definitely believe that Antichrist will be a Jew. In tracing the rise of this view one finds that Irenaeus of the second century seems to be the first to teach it. He based his view upon the following points: (1) The name Antichrist is Jewish. (2) Daniel wrote these words about Antichrist: 'Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers' (Dan 11:37). (3) He is from the tribe of Dan since this tribe is among the missing of those mentioned in Revelation 7:4-8. (4) To be parallel to Christ he must come from Israel...There is just not enough abundant Scripture for anyone to be dogmatic on whether Antichrist will be Jewish or not." (The Next Invasion From Outer Space, Reg Dunlap)

"Now, let's look at the motto St. Malachy gave to the pope after Pope JPII. It is "De Gloria Olivae" (the glory of the olive / olive tree). It is widely interpreted to indicate that the next pope would be of Jewish origin since olives / olive tree were a common Roman symbol for Jedea/Palestine. Amazingly, one of the leading potential popes is a Jew. He is Cardinal Lustiger, the very popular Archbishop of Paris. It seems likely that he'll be the next pope and fulfill the prophecy of St.Malachy. But in April '96, something happened which gave the motto, "De Gloria Olive", even more depth.

"In Italy, April 21 '96, just 2-3 days after the crucial window of April 18-19, for the first time in 50 years, Center-left government was elected (voter turnout in the election was whopping 82.7%!). This was a MAJOR event for Italy, because one of the reasons Italy has had 55 governments in the last 50 years through all the political maneuvering by the Center-right was to prevent this from happening. But what's really stunning here is that the center-left coalition (which has the support of the former communists) that won the general election is called... "Olive Tree"! Now we're beginning to really see what the motto, "the glory of the olive tree", that St.Malachy gave to the next pope refers to!" www.concentric.net/~adachi/prophecy/prophecy.html

Found this on the net and it seems pertinent:

a=6 b=12 c=18 d=24 e=30 f=36 g=42 h=48 i=54 j=60 k=66 l=72 m=78 n=84 o=90 p=96 q=102 r=108 s=114 t=120 u=126 v=132 w=138 x=144 y=150 z=156

l=72 u=126 s=114 t=120 i=54 g=42 e=30 r=108
lustiger=666

(The Unofficial 666 Faq, Arno van Goch, avg@xs4all.nl)

Just something to watch,

>How about the idea of a big one on a collision course with the earth? It's
>a topic for more and more films and tv shows. Imagine the terrible fear
>over the whole earth. "In those days, men's hearts will fail them (heart
>attacks) for fear of what is coming upon the earth."

"And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter."

1. Administered only when there is a doubt if the wife has been unfaithful or not (this is for those on earth--they are being "tested"? as opposed to the true bride who is kept from this hour of testing? We should keep in mind that Jews were considered married from the time of betrothal on.)
2. The Mishna says that the woman should have been warned to stay away from someone or to be seen talking with him, etc. in front of two witnesses (the law and the prophets throughout history warning of spiritual adultery, with Moses and Elijah being the two "best" examples of these two witnesses for these end-times?)
3. It was used if the husband had "the spirit of jealousy come upon him" (there are too many examples of where God is said to be jealous to cite)
4. When the woman stood before the court, they would try anything to make her confess. First they would terrify her (the tribulation?) and if that didn't work they'd smooth talk her (just like on Law & Order--there is nothing new :)).
5. The woman was to be "wearied" by holding her husband's Temple offering of "the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal" (which is an omer [Exo 16:36], the quantity of manna for one man every day [Exo 16:16]--maybe has something to do with Rev 6:5,6 which speaks of the balances and the measure of wheat and barley?). Barley was considered food for the beasts.
6. No oil or frankincense was to be used because oil and frankincense denote joy and gladness and this was a solemn affair (again, maybe Rev 6:5,6--hurt not the oil and the wine?)
7. Dust from the Temple floor was put in the water (nowadays where would this "dust" come from?).
8. The woman was given black clothing if she was wearing white, all her ornaments were taken away, she was unveiled and her hair messed up (this is in direct contrast to the undefiled bride).
9. The curses (of Numbers 5:21,22) written in a book and and then "blotted out" by the bitter water (there is blotting out of the book of life, but I don't see a connection).
10. The woman was forced to drink this water (the waters of Marah were changed from bitter to sweet by having a tree [Jesus, tree of life] **cast** into it [Exo 15:22-27]). If she was guilty her belly swelled and her thigh rotted. When they saw her swelling up they'd shout "Cast her out, cast her out that she might not defile the court" and this made me think of Satan (see further down). The significance of the belly and thigh being mentioned is another study in itself, but basically the belly is where "rivers of living water flow" to those who believe on Jesus (John 7:38--see also Job 15:35; 20:23; Dan 2:32; Jonah; Rom 16:18; Rev 10:9) and the thigh is where the sword is gird and where promises are attested to (Psa 45:3; Gen 24:2; 32:32; Rev 19:16).
11. The day that the draught of a women suspected of adultery was administered was on the 15th of Adar (around February*).

    *February 27, 2001

    PURIM, the feast instituted, according to the Book of Esther (9:20–28), by Mordecai to celebrate the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot to kill them. Purim ("lots") is so called (Esth. 9:26) after the lots cast by Haman in order to determine the month in which the slaughter was to take place (Esth. 3:7). Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, and in Hasmonean times it was known as the "Day of Mordecai" (II Macc. 15:36). The Jews of Shushan celebrated their deliverance on the 15th of Adar (Esth. 9:18), and this day became known as Shushan Purim. Out of respect for Jerusalem, it is said, the day is still kept by Jews living in cities which had a wall around them "from the days of Joshua" (Meg. l:1). Thus in present-day Israel Purim is celebrated in Jerusalem on the 15th, but in Tel Aviv on the 14th.--Encyclopaedia Judaica, CD-ROM Edition

Regarding the verses in Revelation that speak of a great mountain being thrown into the ocean and hail, etc. this makes me think of Jewish stoning. Again, the theme of a wife being found guilty of adultery comes into play here because such a woman would be stoned. First, the witnesses (usually 2), would tie the person's hands behind their backs, then throw them off a projection (usually the height of 2 men) and this made me think of Rev 12:9 (the dragon and his angels **cast** to earth). If this didn't kill the person, one witness would throw a huge stone on the offending person's chest (Rev 8:8--a great mountain cast into the sea). If this didn't kill them, then all Israel was to come and throw stones at the person until they died (Rev 16:21--great hail out of heaven). Is the earth being stoned from heaven?

Bye,

ANGELUS ADDRESS AT ST. PETER´S SQUARE
Pope Calls for Recitation of Rosary to End Terrorism
VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 30, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address John Paul II gave before leading pilgrims in praying the midday Angelus today.

Dearest Brothers and Sisters!

1. The celebration of the opening of the working sessions of the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops ended a short time ago in St. Peter´s Basilica. This important ecclesial meeting will continue throughout the month of October, missionary month, being especially propitious to reflect on the mission of bishops in the context of the new evangelization.

2. October is the month in which Mary Most Holy, Queen of the Holy Rosary, is venerated. Given the present international context, I appeal to all -- individuals, families and communities -- to pray the rosary for peace, if possible daily, so that the world will be preserved from the dreadful scourge of terrorism. The terrible tragedy of last Sept. 11 will be remembered as a dark day in the history of humanity. In the face of this, the Church intends to be faithful to her prophetic charism and reminds all men of their duty to build a future of peace for the human family. Of course, peace is not separate from justice, but the latter must always be carried out with mercy and love.

We cannot forget that Jews, Christians and Muslims adore the One God. Therefore, the three religions have the vocation to unity and peace. May God grant the faithful of the Church to be in the front line in the search for justice, in the rejection of violence, and in the commitment to be agents of peace. May the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for the whole of humanity, so that hatred and death will never have the last word!

3. I now turn in thought to Italian families, as the meeting approaches that will be held in St. Peter´s Square on Saturday the 20th, and Sunday the 21st of October, on the occasion of the beatification of the spouses Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi. Dear families, for the first time two spouses attain together, as a couple, the goal of beatification, and I expect many to be present at this happy circumstance. This event is taking place 20 years after the publication of the apostolic exhortation "Familiaris Consortio," which focused on the role of the family, especially threatened in present-day society. In Italy also, where the family has always been the point of reference and fundamental resource, disintegrative tendencies are growing and attempts are being made to equate the institution of the family based on matrimony with other forms of living together. This is why families and their associations must become promoters of a new stage of commitment for an effective d! efense of family values.

May Mary, whom we are about to invoke in reciting the Angelus, hear the multiple intentions of our prayer today.

[Translation by ZENIT]

ZE01093003

Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Brink, Matthew Commentary:
7. Babbling like pagans. 'Babbling' means empty talk, chatter. These careless words are closely connected with the multiplicity of words with which the pagans hope to be heard. They taught, as did some rabbis, that uninterrupted repetitions assured that prayer would be heard. The Pharisees too usually prayed for a long time (Mark 12:40). Their prayers were formal, without paying too much attention to the content. The prayers were said instead of being prayed from the heart. Jesus condemns these practises.

Peoples New Testament Notes:
Use not vain repetitions as the heathen do. What is forbidden is not much praying, nor praying in the same words (the Lord did both), but making the number of prayers, length of prayers, or time spent in praying, a point of observance and of merit. #1Ki 18:26 gives an example of the repetitions of the heathen. Mohammedans and Catholics still hold that there is merit in repeating certain prayers a set number of times.

"We cannot forget that Jews, Christians and Muslims adore the One God."

Jews pray to Hashem, the God of Torah/Bible.

The word Christian for our purposes here will be divided into two groups: Roman Catholic and non-Roman Catholic. Roman Catholics pray to Mary first who then, in turn, prays with/to Jesus. Non-Roman Catholics pray to Jesus/God of the Bible.

Muslims pray to Allah, the moon god in the pantheon of gods of Mohammed's day.

Therefore the statement above should read: "Jews, Christians and Muslims adore Hashem, Mary, Jesus/God, Allah" and we should take note that these are not all the same thing. The only mediator between man and God is Jesus so being asked to pray to anyone else is against what the Bible teaches and is the traditions of men being promoted over the Word of God. There should be no unity between the clean and unclean for the unclean pollutes the whole.

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