Ruusbroec Day

Have you spotted the UCSIA peace flag at the Temple of Peace in Mechelen's Botanical Garden?

The peace festival is an initiative of our fellow resident and partner Pax Christi Flanders and runs until Sunday, November 2, with a rich programme of lectures, theatre, music, film, and workshops.

In times of war and rearmament, we often forget that peace is something we build together – by engaging in open dialogue about what peace means today and how we can work towards it together.

Since June, Pax Christi has organized over fifty Peace Labs throughout Flanders and Brussels: creative meetings where people from all walks of life came together to reflect on peace. In schools, social organizations, prisons and associations, people drew, sewed and talked. Because to imagine peace, you first have to learn to name it – and that begins in dialogue, even with people who think differently.

In the latest issue of Tertio, our acting director Erik De Bom wrote an inspiring article about the social role of the UCSIA Solidarity Academy. He emphasises how the academy responds to the universal apostolic priorities of the Jesuits and focuses on solidarity as the foundation of society and ethics.

From September 2025, the Flemish online magazine Streven Vrijplaats and UCSIA vzw will join forces. UCSIA vzw has become the responsible publisher of Streven Vrijplaats.

Nothing will change for readers: the magazine will continue to exist online with its characteristic focus on critical, nuanced and carefully written contributions.