Jacques van der Biest leading a protest in the Marolles neighborhood of Brussels.

From Theology to Activism: How One Priest Transformed Brussels

Author's portrait.
Rhea Morgan in Culture & Society August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover the story of Jacques van der Biest, the priest who led a community uprising and reshaped urban life in Brussels."


In the heart of Brussels, during the turbulent years of the 1960s and 70s, one figure emerged as a beacon of hope and resistance for the working-class neighborhood of the Marolles: Jacques van der Biest. More than just a priest, he was a theologian, an urban planner, and a fearless advocate for social justice. His journey from academic theology to leading community protests offers a compelling case study of faith in action and the power of urban solidarity.

Jacques van der Biest's story is not just a historical account; it's a relevant narrative for today's world, where urban spaces are constantly evolving, and communities face increasing pressures. His work provides insights into how religious thought can inspire practical action and how community engagement can challenge established power structures. Understanding his approach offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in urban development, social activism, and the role of faith in public life.

This article delves into the life and work of Jacques van der Biest, examining his theological foundations, his strategies for community mobilization, and his lasting impact on the urban landscape of Brussels. By exploring his unique blend of faith and action, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex forces that shape our cities and the individuals who dare to challenge the status quo.

The Making of an Urban Advocate: Jacques van der Biest's Early Years

Jacques van der Biest leading a protest in the Marolles neighborhood of Brussels.

Born into a Brussels family with roots in both the city and the Flemish countryside, Jacques van der Biest's early life experiences shaped his deep understanding of urban realities. His family's business, initially in hat-making and later in diesel engine manufacturing, exposed him to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of Brussels. This firsthand exposure to the changing urban landscape, combined with his Jesuit education, instilled in him a sense of social responsibility and a desire to serve his community.

Before becoming the champion of the Marolles, Jacques was on a different path. He studied engineering at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), known for its liberal and secular traditions. However, after experiencing the harsh working conditions at a steel factory in Liège, he felt a calling to the priesthood. This pivotal decision led him to the seminary in Malines, where he began to develop his theological framework for urban ministry.

During his time at the seminary, key influences shaped his thinking:
  • Exposure to progressive Catholic thought: He encountered ideas that emphasized social justice and the role of the church in addressing urban poverty and inequality.
  • Engagement with urban studies: He delved into the emerging field of urban sociology, exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by modern cities.
  • Personal experiences: His experiences working in factories and witnessing the struggles of urban dwellers solidified his commitment to serving the marginalized.
These formative experiences culminated in his assignment to the Marolles, a working-class neighborhood in the heart of Brussels, in 1954. This marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to the community and his transformation into an urban activist.

The Enduring Legacy of a Priest-Activist

Jacques van der Biest's story is a testament to the power of one individual to spark change and inspire a community. His unique blend of theological insight, social awareness, and strategic action transformed the Marolles into a symbol of urban resistance and community empowerment. His legacy continues to inspire activists, urban planners, and religious leaders who seek to create more just and equitable cities. By understanding his journey, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of community engagement, the role of faith in public life, and the enduring power of the human spirit to challenge injustice and build a better world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3917/hmc.037.0067, Alternate LINK

Title: L’Espace Urbain, De La Théologie À La Lutte : Jacques Van Der Biest Et La Paroisse Des Marolles À Bruxelles Au Tournant Des Années 1960-1970

Subject: Organic Chemistry

Journal: Histoire, monde et cultures religieuses

Publisher: CAIRN

Authors: Olivier Chatelan

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

Who was Jacques van der Biest, and what was his role in Brussels?

Jacques van der Biest was a priest in Brussels who became an urban activist. He combined his theological background with practical action to advocate for social justice in the Marolles neighborhood. He is known for leading community protests and challenging established power structures to improve the lives of the working class.

2

What experiences in Jacques van der Biest's early life influenced his commitment to social justice?

Jacques van der Biest's early life experiences, including his family's involvement in industry and his Jesuit education, gave him firsthand exposure to the rapid industrialization of Brussels. His time working in a steel factory further solidified his commitment to social justice, eventually leading him to the priesthood. These experiences contributed to his understanding of urban realities and social responsibility.

3

What key influences shaped Jacques van der Biest's theological framework for urban ministry?

Jacques van der Biest was influenced by progressive Catholic thought, which emphasized social justice and the Church's role in addressing urban poverty. He also engaged with urban studies, exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by modern cities. These influences shaped his theological framework for urban ministry and informed his work in the Marolles.

4

What impact did Jacques van der Biest's work have on the Marolles neighborhood and the broader urban landscape of Brussels?

Jacques van der Biest's work transformed the Marolles into a symbol of urban resistance and community empowerment. His strategic action, combined with his theological insight and social awareness, created a lasting impact on the urban landscape of Brussels. His legacy continues to inspire activists, urban planners, and religious leaders who seek to create more just and equitable cities.

5

How can Jacques van der Biest's approach of combining theology with urban activism be applied to address contemporary urban challenges?

Jacques van der Biest's approach of combining theology with urban activism can be applied today by integrating faith-based values with practical community engagement to address contemporary urban challenges such as inequality and social justice. This involves understanding the theological foundations for social action and using them to inspire and guide efforts to improve urban life. By following his example, individuals and organizations can work to create more just and equitable cities that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities.

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